The morning air was crisp and carried a buzz of anticipation, the kind that hints at something special about to happen. For the second month in a row, the tally confirmed it: seventy-two young runners, a sea of bright faces and restless energy, had gathered, continuing our record-breaking streak and solidifying a new era of enthusiasm for our junior parkrun. At the heart of this weekly miracle was a mission perfectly aligned with our own: to galvanise a community, to turn fitness into fun, and to ensure every child felt seen and cheered.

The starter’s signal sent the flock on their way, a vibrant blur of determination. Leading the charge was our elite runner, JP, who powered through the course with a fierce grace, flying across the finish line just a heartbeat shy of her personal best—a sure sign of even greater triumphs to come. But the true victory was in the beautiful diversity of the field. For at least ten children, it was their very first time, their faces a mix of nerves and excitement that melted into pure, triumphant joy as they completed their 2k journey. For many more, it was a return to the fun, a testament to the joyful habit we are building together, proving that parkrun is, and always will be, for everyone.

None of this magic unfolds on its own. It is meticulously crafted by a team of hi-vis heroes, and this week, the Good Gym crew was the steady heartbeat of the event. Expertly leading the charge was Good Gymer Sooz, whose calm coordination and infectious enthusiasm set the tone for the morning. She led a dedicated team of Good Gym regulars—Hayder, Louise ****, Rue, and Sarah—whose presence formed the operational backbone of the run. They were more than just volunteers; they were the embodiment of our mission, combining their fitness with tangible community service. Their cheers at marshalling points became the soundtrack of encouragement, their diligent timekeeping ensured every effort was recognised, and their watchful eyes guaranteed a safe environment for all.

Their collective spirit was so powerful it created a ripple effect of community engagement, encouraging several parents to jump in and lend a hand, seamlessly joining the crew. The morning was so wonderfully busy, in fact, that we didn't have a spare moment to snap a single action shot—the ultimate sign of a fully engaged team! So, here is a picture of three of us squinting into the bright autumn sun after successfully sorting out all the finish tokens, a small, quiet moment after the glorious chaos.

In the end, we didn’t just manage a run; we fostered a space where personal achievement and community support intertwine, where every child’s run was celebrated, and where the simple act of showing up creates a healthier, happier neighbourhood for all.