Sturdy Squirrels in Rain-Soaked Races: A Weekend of Enthusiastic Adventures and Undampened Grit

​This weekend was a quieter one on the race front, and some might say it was for the better, given the unseasonably chilly and wet conditions. However, this was no deterrent for the sturdy squirrels who braved the inclement weather both away and closer to home, showcasing their unwavering spirit that wouldn’t be dampened even by the most challenging conditions.

In the scenic expanse of the Derbyshire Dales, Alice Noakes and Andy Grudzinski took on the Dovedale Dipper, a challenging course covering 27 miles of mixed terrain with over 1200 meters of elevation, this year made all the more formidable by the wet and muddy conditions.  Their adventure began under dark skies and a relentless drizzle, evolving into a torrential downpour that failed to deter their determination. Conquering the undulating terrain that was punctuated by a variety of stiles, gates and wafer-thin gaps in stone wall, steep and slippery grass/mud slopes, and even the occasional flooded fjord or waist high gorse, these intrepid souls trudged through a picturesque Dovedale cloaked in mist and rain. The race's defining moment arrived early, with a crucial decision to make: an early start armed with bacon rolls or a mass start 30 minutes later. Armed with rolls in hand, they braved the rain-soaked challenge, embodying the resolute spirit of the day. Rather than being put off by the conditions, they willingly embraced the fun of the run and the unexpected bonus of the ‘spa treatment’ offered by the encounters with ‘every type of mud’ along the way, as Alice put it.

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The theme of tenacity continued nearer to home, on the Norton Common, where 48 resilient runners defied the elements in a similarly challenging (albeit shorter) First Saturday of the Month race. Unlike the previous year's sun-soaked skies, this edition was met with heavy rain and boggy conditions, yet the unwavering dedication of the participants remained firm. Among the notable achievements, Steve McKeown stood out as second overall and the first squirrel to cross the finish line, completing the course in under 20 minutes. Sophie and Caroline Thrussell ran together to secure the first and second female positions with times just over 24 minutes. Kat Burr's brilliant effort shone through as she pushed her daughter Maddie in a buggy, clocking an impressive 26:28.

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Amidst the rain-soaked challenges, squirrels also attended a number of Parkruns. Most worthy of mention is Philip Flack’s momentous personal milestone, his 100th Parkrun, made all the more special by the fact that he achieved it on the muddy course at Letchworth, thus clearly showing the enduring passion, resilience and commitment of our runners, who turn out to do what they love regardless of the weather, rather embracing the elements with open arms. 

Parkrun Roundup
 
Great Denham: David Edwards (19:39)

Hunstanton Promenade: Matt Ankers (25:09)

Landsend: Sarah Mitcherson (25:01)
Letchworth: James Poulton (25:53), Philip Hawkes (28:58)

Letchworth: James Poulton (25:53), Philip Hawkes (28:58)

​Lutonwardown: Steve Brenton (21:55)
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Stevenage: Kris Whitmore (19:03), Ian Harvey (20:33), Elwyn Howell (21:50), Jon Hunt (23:20)

Whitehaven: Tom Barclay (17:55), Emma Sandham (24:56)
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Wimpole Estate: Vincent Wright (20:16)