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Winter is finally here! It was a cold one across the country, with a handful of events running in snowy winter wonderlands (and some not-so-wonderful freezing rain), but hey, all weather is perfect parkrun weather, right? We saw 1,430 finishers across 41 events, with 377 parkrunners filling a variety of volunteer positions. 161 parkrunners held the title of “first timer” last weekend and we certainly hope they’ll be back! But for now, let’s take a look at some pictures from around the country…
We’re lucky enough in America to be home to the highest parkrun above sea level… Aspen parkrun in Colorado clocks in at over 8,000 ft! This weekend they welcomed 4 hardy finishers for a snowy parkrun, including two tourists from College Park parkrun in DC.
It was a snowy one at Canyon Rim Trail parkrun in Twin Falls, Idaho last weekend. They welcomed 13 finishers, 5 volunteers, and what looks like a few barkrunners! What a great way for their final parkrun of 2021 – we can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for this young US parkrun.
College Park parkrun had an unexpectedly high attendance last weekend. It was their biggest regular-Saturday turnout with 210 finishers enjoying the beautiful weather along the Paint Branch Trail. It’s all about building a community that appeals to everyone, all members of the family. Bring your parents, your grandparents, your kids, even your dogs – because parkrun welcomes everyone and anyone!
After having to cancel the previous week due to 18 (!!!) inches of snow in Minneapolis, Courthouse Lake parkrun was back at it on a beautiful winter course. They even got a few more inches of snow on Friday night but luckily had a clear course for parkrun morning. It’s certainly winter!
A little bit farther east in Minnesota, Eagan parkrun got the same weather as Courthouse Lake parkrun last weekend. But nonetheless they bundled up for a lovely parkrun in some fresh snow and there wasn’t a complaint to be heard!
What a beautiful sunrise over Depot Park parkrun last Saturday morning. A beautiful backdrop for some course set up – even more incentive to volunteer!
Sippo Lake parkrun started to see some festive costumes too! They marked the occasion with a holiday attire contest, but will also be having an event on Christmas.
The Mighty Anacostia parkrun saw 28 finishers and 10 volunteers on their last event of 2021. Is it too cheesy to already be using the line “see you next year!”…?
Baltimore and Annapolis Trail parkrun also saw their last event of the year – with this awesome crew of parkrunners filling the volunteer roles to help make it all possible.
We spotted a life-sized elf on the shelf at Fletcher’s Cove parkrun last weekend! So THAT’S what they get up to on Saturday mornings…
Heritage Harbor parkrun celebrated the week before Christmas with a designated “Santa day” at parkrun. We love seeing the Santa hats, and also the parkrun sweatshirt – did you give the gift of parkrun merch to anyone this season??
It was quite foggy along the river at Charleston WV parkrun but they were certainly getting into the holiday spirit. One of the 20ish events around the country preparing to host a Christmas Day parkrun, Charleston WV parkrunners were testing out some holiday outfits before the big day. Check out your local parkrun’s social media channels to check if they’ll be hosting an event on Christmas Day!
The first finisher at Des Moines Creek parkrun last weekend was 12-year-old Gemma, with her 10-year-old sister following just a few minutes behind with their dad. They’ve completed a handful of parkruns together, a perfect Saturday morning family excursion. So if you’re thinking about coming to parkrun but don’t know what to do with the kids, bring them along! Who knows, they just might have even more fun than you.
The turnaround course marshal at Mansfield OH parkrun is ready for the holidays!! Nothing better than some festive cheer when you’re halfway done with the course… Mansfield OH parkrun is one of the events going forward on Christmas Day and we’re expecting big things costume-wise.
We love everything about this photo: Seeing purple 25 milestone t-shirts, parkrunners in high vis vests helping out as course marshal, beautiful parkrun weather, what more could we ask for? And of course, the amazing photography skills at College Park parkrun. It feels like we were really there!
Creekside parkrun never ceases to amaze us with their costume spirit! This week was no exception – it was a holiday themed event and these parkrunners did not disappoint.
Lillie parkrun had a weather forecast of snow on Friday night, and were super excited for a winter wonderland parkrun (finally!). But alas, slightly warmer temps turned a snowstorm into a freezing rainstorm… That didn’t stop 34 finishers and 15 volunteers from having a great parkrun morning! They’re expecting more rain on Christmas Eve, but perhaps this time it’ll go the opposite way and we’ll be lucky enough for a white Christmas. You’ll just have to read next week’s blog to find out!
Not far from Lillie, Livonia parkrun also had the same unexpected rain in Michigan, although they did get a sprinkling of snow as well! Luckily, Carol gave Run Director Kim a helping hand (or umbrella!) during the run briefing. That’s what parkrun friends are for!
The weather was slightly different at Northside Beltline parkrun than some of the other parkruns we’ve been looking at today… Is that a tank top? And shorts? And no precipitation?? What a time! But no matter what the weather is, there’s always one perfect thing to wear to parkrun: a high-vis volunteer vest!
Love the vibe of parkrun but just don’t feel up for a full 5k one Saturday? Pick up one of the finish line volunteer roles! You can time keep, scan barcodes, or hand out finish tokens, just to name a few. But most importantly – you can socialize while you wait for the first finishers to come through, just like these parkrunners at Kensington parkrun. Personally, it’s one of our favorite ways to enjoy a parkrun!
Roosevelt Island parkrun got to celebrate a double purple milestone last week – coordinating your 25th parkrun finish with your 25th volunteer occasion is pretty cool! And so is the purple vest, because all of our parkrun volunteers are heroes…
Third Creek Greenway parkrun also celebrated an exciting milestone: a v50 for run director Meredith! The balloons are a lovely added touch.
There isn’t snow on the east coast just yet, so Danehy Park parkrun in Boston is in that weird brown limbo where the fall colors have faded but they’re not yet covered in snow. Boston gets an average of 4 feet of snow per year, so it can’t be long now!
Have a great holiday weekend! We’ll see you next week for a recap on the Christmas Day parkrun… How many Santas and elves do you think we’ll see??
Volunteers across the board, whatever their role, are fundamental to the long-term success of parkrun. They are the social glue that holds everything together and are one of the factors that make parkrun so special. On parkrun’s 19th anniversary we’d like to celebrate these wonderful people. Since the first event in 2004, we have significantly…
You can wear anything when you join in at parkrun – a suit, shorts, jeans or even fancy dress. We want everyone to enjoy parkrun and being comfortable in what you’re wearing is crucial. If you’re going to move a lot, walk, or run you might want to consider using a sports bra. We chatted…
