Halifax Parkrun

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 I was attending a wedding in Halifax over the weekend, and I was very grateful that the bride had kindly decided to get married at 2.15. First thought; “where is the nearest parkrun?!”

This has become quite a theme between my friends and I, and I am ever so grateful when a weekend away happily ties in with an excuse for parkrun tourism – the hen do saw me ticking off Town Moor in Newcastle.
So, extensive research of Shrogg’s Park done, I wanted to set off early. I had no idea how big the park was but I knew I needed to make it to the monument. I had studied Google Maps like the back of my hand, been to the toilet about 5 times (no toilets at Halifax parkrun) and I set off. I arrived at about 8.20 and saw a volunteer setting out the cones for the out and back section. – Great! Someone to get directions off. Shrogg’s park wasn’t that big, so it was easy to find the start. And friendly volunteers to direct you are always much appreciated!
I had entered the park on a hill; “You’ve got to do this hill 3 times.” Challenge on, I thought. You’ve not seen the hill in Avenham Park! [Preston parkrun is my “home” parkrun.]
The course is certainly undulating to say the least. If you’re not a fan of rollercoasters then take some anti sickness for this route as it is so up and down. I really appreciated the variety (this route even includes its own trail section!) it helped me chunk up the sections – even doing hill sprints on the hill. I did not appreciate “Harrison’s Hill” on the 4th time up however! Whoever decided to put the finish at the top of that hill is clearly not a runner!
The course is 3.5 laps. Which initially messed with my head (it was way too early) but with an extensive first timers briefing and the run director’s announcement at the start, you are fully covered and can’t go wrong, and there are plenty of volunteers along the route to support you around. I ensured to pant out a ‘Thank you Marshall’ to each one (or a thumbs up) on my final lap around, love was definitely in the air for me this morning!
Thank you of course to our volunteers; without you Parkrun simply could not go ahead.
In total there were 28 first timers at Shrogg's Park tackling Harrison's Hill for the first time!
Broken down, this saw 3 people tackling Parkrun for the first time. A huge welcome to the family and hopefully you will be back to conquer more runs!
There were 25 tourists visiting Shrogg’s Park. Many from other parts of Yorkshire – the perks of living around a large city is the variety of Parkruns in a good radius. The furthest visitor came from Milwaukee!
Next to the finish funnel, there is also a wonderful sweet smelling coffee van (Buzzi Barista) to get your caffeine fix after your weekly 5k. Though running past this during my run was like torture! I unfortunately did not have chance to give the coffee a try as I had to go and get my glad rags on, but it smelt divine.
A wonderful morning and a perfect Parkrun to set your up for the day. Thank you to the run director also for making me feel so welcome!

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