It all started in 2018 or 19. I was a radio producer at South Leeds Community Radio (sadly no longer broadcasting). I did an easy listening music programme on Sunday mornings. I played mostly 60s and 70s songs from my 250,000 record collection. I created a playlist days before, and on the day the music was interspersed with birthday dedications, local news and local sports. My programme lasted two hours.
Anyway a couple of radio station staff at that time did the Cross Flatts parkrun on a Saturday morning and asked if I would like to give it a go and maybe tell a little bit about the parkrun on my Sunday morning radio show.
I went along to the Parkrun and was made most welcome.
The only person I remember from that parkrun is Phil, I believe Phil has a lot to do with Hunslet RLFC (with having dementia remembering people’s names is a problem).
Anyway I had done 95 parkruns at Cross Flatts, when I started having problems with arthritis in my knee. I spoke to a physiotherapist, and he told me to stop running as I was doing more damage to my knee and spine. He suggested joining a walking group. I went on to host two, at BITMO’s Gate and Middleton Elderly Aid.
Back to Cross Flatts parkrun with only 5 runs to go to get my 100 runs t-shirt I went on to do 100 parkruns and indeed get my 100 runs t-shirt.
I continued to marshal at Cross Flatts parkrun for about 50 events.
Unknown to me as I did not have a smart phone at the time, my volunteering points did not get barcoded to Parkrun HQ. As a marshal you don’t go over the finish line and get barcoded, so there was no way to get those points back. I finished going to Cross Flats Parkrun soon after.
Anyway about three years ago I joined Middleton Woods parkrun. I’ve never run at his event, but marshalled and taken pictures which I upload to Middleton Woods parkrun Facebook page. I was made most welcome by Mark and Josh from the core team.
I was given a place to marshal from, which in time was nicknamed Ken’s Corner. Over time I have gone on to be part of the core team. But myself, I just marshal and take pictures.
Later, because the arthritis in my knee and spine was getting worse, the team put me at Nick’s View. A very picturesque part of the course.
I can also sit down on benches there and still take pictures and marshal.
Mark and Josh eventfully gave me admin rights to upload pictures to the Facebook site directly, so everyone can see them and print off if they want to.
I make myself known at the newcomers breifing, so if anyone does not want to have pictures taken, they just let me know.
Only one person in three years did not want their picture taken. Linda usually does the talk explaining the run route. They always give Linda a clap afterwards.
I have run at Cross Flats Parkrun 100 times and marshalled at Middleton Woods 131 times. So a total of 231 events. I hope to have my 250 parkrun credit by February 2027, and get my 250 run t-shirt, that will be a major achievement for me. Its a race to see if me or Linda gets to 250 quickest, I think Linda will win.
On 27 September Josh tried a new route to take out a massive hill, and avoid a chicane. Everyone I spoke to think the new route is much better and people gather after the run and talk.
I now have company as the new finish line is adjacent to Nick View. I will have my first opportunity to take a picture of Terry going through the finish line.
On 27 September it was Dave’s 250th parkrun so congratulations to Dave, who also marshals at the Junior parkrun.
Dave also paid for a parkrun hi-vis jacket with my name and ‘Photographer’ on the back, thank you Dave for that.
So that’s it for now, I’m looking forward to the runs up to Christmas and the Bah Humbug 10km race.
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