The Newcastle Parkrun this week saw a whopping 342 finishers which is close to the record of 367. There were 67 new registrations which for an event which has been running for years now and is nothing particularly new, is quite some feat. We're sure last weekend's Great North Run action spurred quite a few of those new registrants into action, but isn't that the point?
The Parkrun, like the Great North Run, is about mass participation in the main, as opposed to an elitest event and if 50,000 people of all shapes and sizes pushing themselves through 13.1 miles for fun, charity or personal challenge then why not get on board the motivation train.
The Moor was packed out this morning and we're sure the conditions will have helped see some of the newcomers return. Not the usual blustery battering winds, rather a calm one in fact.
Another week, another batch of momentous t-shirts given out including Phil Green - a popular Parkrunner from Heaton Harriers who recived the biggest cheer of the morning for recieving his 50th runs t-shirt on today, his 'annual' or 52nd outing - well done Phil.
The winner wasn't pushed into too much trouble and coming in in 17:05 it was Rob De'Giovanni of Tyne Bridge Harriers who was first to cross the line. Although a good 18 seconds clear of Glen Taylor and 29 of David Wakefield who finshed thrid in 17.34 he was disappointed with the effort.
Rob is a student at Northumbria University and its great to see people from outside the region fully taking in what we have to offer. He told us that it wasn't his best effort and he may be looking to specialise in Triathlons goin forward - we still think its the runners who make the best 'tri-hards' though :) just look at the Brownlee brother's PBs over the distances if you don't believe us. The disapointment however tells us he may well be back for more and that sub 17 minute effort isn't a bad one to have an eye on for the next time - wiht a bit more of a battle for first place, its surely on the cards.
All in all a fantastic turnout, with more than a few Great North Run t-shirts to boot - including one on the Legend Mr. Eric Appleby who sported a rather retro looking number from the 80s we suspect - he'll never stop surprising us! If anyone did spot the year let us know, it amused us anyway.
For the full results click here.