I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.

The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.

It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.

It’s suitable for runners of all experience levels and paces. Find out more at the event page here or the event Facebook page here

Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!

There is a bonus event today, New Years Day (Wednesday 1st January 2020) at the hangover friendly time of 10:30am – just the thing to blow away the morning after cobwebs!

The organisers said:

HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW YEAR
(Acknowledgement to Sweden’s best “Middle Of The Road” cardigan models of the late 1970s, early 1980s)

We are looking forward to having you join us tomorrow for our first New Year’s Day parkrun at Chasewater. A big “Thank You” to our team of volunteers, as without them we wouldn’t have been able to put the event on.

The biggest “Thank You” needs to go to to our Event Director, Diane, who has been the driving force in getting a parkrun at Chasewater in 2019. This event wouldn’t have happened without Diane’s hard work over many months.
#thankyoudiane

We respectfully request that people are quiet during the pre-event briefing so that everyone can hear what has to be said, as we do expect to have a large number of first-time runners/tourists joining us. If you are still worse for wear from tonight’s celebrations do not drive. It’s not worth it. If you are doing a “Double” and are joining us after doing an earlier parkrun, please do not drive like Lewis Hamilton to get here in time.

We do get deer and cows on the course, so please be aware and treat them, and all other park users with respect. We do not have the right of way over anyone else.

U11’s -. You must be within arms reach of your responsible adult at all times. If the said adult is tired, grumpy or complaining about a headache, please make as much noise around them as possible. They’ll really appreciate it. Trust us.

Dogs – You are welcome to run with a dog. One dog per runner, on as short a lead as possible. Please be aware we may be busier than usual.

First Timers – If you are unsure where to start, may we suggest you start towards the back of the field and work your way through as needed. Thank You.

Shoes – Road shoes will be fine. The majority of the course is on tarmac and concrete paths. The gravel paths are well compacted, however, there may be the odd puddle and bit of mud about.

Please remember it’s a friendly run, jog or walk with friends. It’s not a race or The Olympics. Relax and enjoy it.

Parking is £1 for 2 hours. Payment is by Cash Only. The machines do not have card or payment by text facilities.

Please only park on the designated car park and not the grass verges, access roads or the spaces reserved for business at the units. Don’t “chance it”, as you will get a ticket and your behaviour runs the risk of Chasewater withdrawing their permission for parkrun.

Enjoy your run with us and DON’T FORGET YOUR BARCODE!

See you in the morning and enjoy your New Year’s Eve

Many Thanks

Also…

What is Chasewater parkrun?

It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.

When is it?

Every Saturday at 9:00am.

Where is it?

The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.

What does it cost to join in?

Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.

How fast do I have to be?

We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!

Chasewater parkrun needs you!

It is entirely organised by volunteers – email chasewaterhelpers@parkrun.com to help.

We’re friendly!

Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!

Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.

Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.