More
than 100 races, 3,432 runners, 78,595 kilometres and 304 days in
total running are some of Reigate Priory Park Run figures, sponsored
now by Intersport.
The
first race came to Reigate on March 22, 2014 and two years later
celebrated his 100th race with a Valentine's Day special.
Each Saturday an average about 141.6 runners lace up their trainers and
run 5km in this particular free race, entirely organised by
volunteers to encourage regular exercise in the community. It is you
against the clock.
The
course, in Priory Park, is run on a mixture of gravel path, woodland
trail and grass. 61 years old Paul Chandler has seen the growth of
the Reigate Priory Park Run as a Run Director in these two years and
tell us his experiences in this interview.
Why is the Reigate Priory Park Run different from other races?
Parkrun
is not a race and there are no winners just a friendly place to run
as fast or as slow as you like.
What
is the profile of the Reigate Priory Park runner?
From
young children to seventy year olds and from complete beginners to
experienced runners.
Paul Chandler mending a path (Pict. taken from Reigate Priory Park Run) |
Now
your figures are (111 events, 3,432 runners, 219 clubs...) Have you
got any special goal (in terms of numbers)?
Our goal is to be available every week and that depends upon the volunteers.
How
is the environment in this running community?
Judging by the greetings and smiles every week this is a happy friendly community.
Your
post parkrun coffee are famous (Every week they grab a post parkrun coffee in the Pavilion Café).
We have an excellent café in the park with all sorts of drinks and eats.
How important is the role of the volunteers?
If there were no volunteers there would be no parkrun.
How
do you describe the course?
Scenic and undulating, we run around the lake, uphill in the woods and downhill on the grass.
What
do you recommend to take part in this event? (Clothing, training...)
In the summer when it is dry ordinary trainers, shorts and vest are best but in the winter when the ground is wet you need shoes with some grip and warmer running gear.
How
is the development going for the Junior ParkRun?
We are still working on funding for junior parkrun. It will be a 2km event on a Sunday morning aimed at 4-14 year olds.
Any
anecdote or funny story you remember.
What is most inspiring is the people who have never run before and maybe start with half walk / half run or half the distance but just keep coming back and improving.
Why
do you recommend to register in the Priory Park Run Reigate?
Being outdoors and taking exercise is the most natural way to start the weekend. Doing it regularly has definite health and fitness benefits.
Which
is your motivation to do this every Saturday?
I love running, I have made many new friends and I like to see them enjoying running.
Your
best reward.
The expressions of achievement, reward and delight at the finishing line.