November

[Sweder]

Celebrating the first twelve months of the Brighton and Hove Parkrun Time Trials 170 hardy souls turned out for today's 5K thrash in blustery wind and spitting rain. The stats for the year are amazing - well over 700 people have lined up, over 1000 PBs recorded, a fastest time of 15:12 . . . all for the cost of nothing thanks to the dedication and hard work of the organisers, volunteers and sponsors.

My own effort today was, ah, modest shall we say. Having spent a good deal of the last 24 hours strapped to the porcelain - there is apparently a 'bug' doing the rounds - I set off more in trepidation than expectation. Two corners into the first lap and the familiar twang of a rapidly tightening stomach signalled danger. I managed to hang on for the next twenty minutes, crossing the line in 23:18 (77th place) before an altogether quicker dash to the public convenience nearby.

Duly relieved I joined the gathered throng under a series of battered awnings to munch on the assortment of cakes and snacks provided by the members. Ladyrunner's vegetable soup was top of my list of favorites, laced with peppers to ward of the November chill. Gary, Gillybean, Msilv, Mike, Simon and Cam all turned out as did Stevio, opting to cruise round with his daughter and her beau.

Hats of to the good people at ParkRun and the BHTT team. This is a truly excellent community event that seems destined to continue to grow.
Well done all, and thank you