The sun shone down on the beautiful countryside setting as a record number of participants took part in the 500th Barclay parkrun in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The free weekly 5km run around Barclay Park began in June 2015 and is one of more than 2,500 parkruns that take place in 23 countries across the world every Saturday.
Last Saturday's milestone event was a special occasion. Not only was there a highest ever turnout of 211 runners - beating the previous record of 180 - but there were also a number of special guests present too. Hoddesdon Town Crier John Adams got the run underway after a familiar cry of "oyez, oyez" following speeches from Hertfordshire Zoo CEO Lynn Whitnall - a keen runner who also took part in the run - and Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Patsy Spears. Inspirational Team GB triathlete John Nugent - known for continuing to compete well into his 80s - also addressed the assembled runners at the startline.
Barclay Park was definitely looking at its best for the big day, with trees and wild flowers in full bloom, bluebells springing up alongside the paths. Participants of all ages completed the course - running, jogging, walking, pushing a pram or exercising their dogs. The huge number of volunteers who went along to provide support made sure that there were encouraging friendly faces along the pleasantly undulating three-lap course which included the scenic path around the ornamental lake.
Run and co-event director Siobhan Ferrandes said: "This was a wonderful celebration day and I thought that the buzz was brilliant. We set up Barclay parkrun 11 years ago and every Saturday morning we see numbers increasing. Our previous record was 180, and today we smashed that with a total of 211 taking part."
Parkrun is kept free by the army of volunteers who give up their time to steward the course, set it up and clear it away afterwards, act as timekeepers, give out finish tokens and much more. One of Barclay's regular volunteers is Chris Foster. He said: "I can feel the excitement when I wake up every Saturday morning and be part of an outstanding team who turn up each week, rain or shine, to create this event."
And he added: "I started volunteering at Barclay parkrun just a couple of years ago when I was cheering on my granddaughter. I was asked if I would like to help, and as a result I have met so many brilliant people who inspired me to keep coming along every Saturday morning. I used to be a runner, but a leg injury put a stop to all that, and this is the nearest I can get to running again. It's a lovely feeling that I can play a small part in helping to keep people fit and active."
Parkrun events are famously a run not a race, and are open to participants of all ages and abilities. Research has shown that parkrun significantly improves happiness and life satisfaction by fostering social connections, reducing isolation, and providing a sense of achievement through regular walking, running, or volunteering.
Peter Padua is part of the organising team at Barclay and an event ambassador for several parkruns in the area. He said: "Parkrun for me is the community. It's fantastic for the community and it's brilliant for people's health and wellbeing - the fresh air, camaraderie, being together once a week and above all, it's free. There's no obligation to turn up every week, no obligation to participate or volunteer. We just grow and grow and grow and we love it because of the camaraderie, the health and wellbeing and being able to run in this beautiful park."
Hertfordshire Zoo's Mrs Whitnall was full of praise not just for the parkrunners but the volunteers and the park itself. A seasoned long distance runner, she offered words of inspiration to runners on the startline before joining the line-up herself. She said: "I haven't done many parkruns over the years but I have done many other fundraising events from marathons to mountains. I actually came here because I love Barclay Park. I grew up in Cheshunt and Hoddesdon and I bring my grandson here to the park - we go on the swings and slides. I've done this one once before, about six weeks ago, and I absolutely loved it. At Hertfordshire Zoo and the Big Cat Sanctuary, we're here to support all the parkrunners - they're absolutely amazing. Everyone comes together as a community - it doesn't matter if you walk, jog or do cartwheels, you can do it your way. It's so nice here, especially on a morning like this. When I came here the other week it was lovely seeing mums jogging with their pushchairs with babies in - it's started them off at a young age too! And the volunteers are gold dust. What they achieve is amazing."
Barclay parkrun is a free 5km event which starts at 9am every Saturday. Participants can run, walk or jog the course.
