The legendary Mungai Wairia was “across the pond” and warmed up for the Boston Marathon with a trot around Jamica Pond, his 3rd visit there. Good luck, Mungai!
Meanwhile Luke Woodend was as near to America as you can get whilst still being in Britain – running at Land’s End, Luke made the trip all the way to Cornwall in order to watch his team, Carlisle United, secure a 1-0 victory away to Truro City. While Luke was away supporting Cumbria’s top team, we had representatives at three different Cumbrian parkruns. Lena Lou took it easy, walking at Penrith, but our other two ladies had great runs, both finishing as 2nd female – Holly Porter at Millom and Aoife Monaghan at Muncaster Castle (Jack Shawcross was 2nd there too).
Also down south were Lucy Keating, at Brighton, and Mariana Mouzinho in that there London. Heading back up the country, Harry Mawdsley was runner-up at Birkenhead, and Sonam Wangdi, Cate Walker and Laurie Johnson were on Teesside. Unfortunately Lauroe pulled up with an injury after a mile or so and had to drop out – hope it is nothing serious.
Back on Tyneside, there were a few PBs – congratulations to the Wards, Lucy and Rob, who both set course PBs at Leazes, while Eddie Smith recorded his best time on the hills of Jesmond Dene.
On another note, it was great to see former member Nikoletta Szlovak, now resident in Switzerland, proudly running in her Claremont vest at Dietenbach parkrun. In her own words “Ahh, Claremont will always have a special place in my heart. Since I left England, I have met a few running clubs, but there is really nothing like Claremont.” We miss you too, Niki.