Guest Post: A visit to the Chelmsford Central parkrun... by Tom Scriven

Tom Scriven at the 650th edition of the Chelmsford Central 5k parkrun

Being a registered parkrun participant, a little addiction seemingly creeps into your life. Whereas many might check if a particular venue had leisure or swimming facilities, a registered person is now more likely to check if an accessible parkrun is scheduled in the locality. 

Thus, being in the Chelmsford of London area for a family wedding,  the search for a parkrun was very fruitful, an event is held in the city park each week. The course winds it's way through the park, in an approximate figure of eight. The surface is primarily on tarmac paths with a portion on grassland. The recent exceptional Summer weather ensured the grassed section was dry and firm. The attendance numbered in the hundreds, with the usual runners,  walkers, parents with children or buggies and dog owners.

The course was well signposted with the km markers. (Each kilometre equates to 20% of the total course, using this formula to harness any psychological advantage possible). The course is virtually flat, a little undulating but minimally so. 

The volunteers coped adequately with the finishing numbers, despite hundreds taking part. Volunteers were also present at the junctions, one had to resist saying 'Go raibh maith agat' in appreciation in Chelmsford! 

As usual, the customary email arrived with the details (Like the old mobile phone joke, 'how well they knew where to find me'!) Similar to all parkrun events I've experienced,  it was efficiently organised, instructions followed the usual formula. Hopefully, I'll be in Tramore Valley next Saturday, who mentioned a little addiction!

Multiple finishing chutes to handle the 738 finishers