The Steeple Chasers wanted to give a little bit back to the running community so after much planning and recruiting of volunteers from the club, we held our first Parkrun Takeover on 11th May 2024.

On a slightly cool and overcast morning, two club members ran the course to clear any fallen branches and check for any unexpected obstacles (such as lambs on the track!) so the Parkrunners could enjoy a safe run. In the meantime, club members were busy getting the start area ready for the arrival of 350+ runners, including our table of home made cakes for all the finishers. Another selection of club volunteers set off for their marshalling spots along the course, a very important part of being able to hold Parkrun at Wimpole. 

At 9am, after the first timer's and Run Director's briefings, the runners hit the track and the hills for a 5km there and back course. The Steeple Chasers cheered them on at every junction, from the super fast front runners to the walkers bringing up the rear. Parkrun is such an all-inclusive event and as always there were dogs, baby buggies and all generations taking part.

One of our newest club members, Matthew P, ran his first Parkrun and came in 4th overall! We were all very impressed, most of us run at a much more modest pace.

At the end of the event we met so many runners at the cake table who all thogoughly enjoyed a piece of home made cake, after all we are Powered By Cake. By now the sun was out, the volunteers had all returned to the start/finish and we tidied everything up ready for next week. Finally we gathered at the Rectory Restaurant for coffee and token sorting, and all agreed it had been a wonderful experience and a great success.