GWR parkrun Tourism March 2023 – Berkeley Green
by Rhian Bethell
GWR travelled up to Berkeley Green for our March parkrun tourism event. A flat three lap course around a science and technology “park” on tarmac. What it lacked in greenery, it made up for in various music spots, earning its nickname the disco park run, with music ranging from Amazing Grace on the bagpipes to Sultans of Swing, a truly unique parkrun experience.
With the off-the-beaten-track location, it was no surprise it was a small field (GWR accounting for over 20% of participants). John Cox and Kelly Dicks had a tussle for overall 3rd place with John narrowly edging it in 18:25 and Dan Jones coming in just behind them for 5th and Seb Nickols in 6th.
The women took a clean sweep of 1st to 4th with Kelly Dicks coming 1st female, Clare Meraz 2nd (just 2 weeks after her ultra), Rhian Bethell in 3rd place and Alice Brocklehurst came 4th. There were well controlled training runs in the midst of training blocks from Will Purcell, Callum Moore and Alice Doggrell.
Ian Haynes was closely followed by a tight finish between Marco Watts and Fi Lang with Marco’s sprint finish giving him the edge by a second (24:11 and 24:12, respectively). Awais Rashid came in just behind them.
Sarah Jones followed hot on Alice’s heels over the line. We then had Bridget Matthews, Sue Riddell and Jo Portis finishing strong. We gathered for a full team photo before warming up with a brew with a view over the Severn Estuary.
Thanks to Berkeley Running Club for providing free tea, coffee and biscuits at the end. Much needed on a very chilly grey morning. Thanks to the parkrun organisers for making us feel welcome and calling out each runner as they finished.
Finally thanks to Marco for arranging and great choice of café in Berkeley afterwards, for the biggest baps in Gloucestershire.
