A higher than usual field of 169 participants marked the 400th staging of Westmill parkrun last Saturday, enjoying warm weather and beautiful scenery along the two-lap course at Westmill Farm near Ware, Hertfordshire. The sun beat down, though not as fiercely as in preceding days, as runners, joggers, and walkers snaked through the picturesque route.
Celebratory Cake and Scenic Views
As an added incentive, a slice of celebratory cake awaited finishers. The 5km course skirts lakes, cuts through an orchard, and travels through lush greenery, offering views worth the effort. Participants also spotted red kites flying majestically overhead.
Run Director Delighted with Turnout
“I’m very pleased indeed,” said run director Carla Bell after the event. “The weather was great, the participants turned up in numbers and everybody seemed to be having a great time. The cake, I think, went down well and it was an all-round lovely atmosphere.”
Carla is part of a volunteer army including car park attendants, route marshals, and barcode scanners who give up their time weekly to ensure smooth operation. She has been involved since the very first Westmill parkrun in July 2017.
Origins of Westmill parkrun
“The plan for Westmill parkrun was conceived by Adan Freeman – it was part of his job description,” Carla said. “He was working for a Herts sports organisation. He put an email out to local running clubs asking if anyone was interested in helping. Myself and some other Ware Joggers met up with him and put a core team together and it went from there. With the help of the regional parkrun ambassador, we got the funding, and he got the OK from the site owners. Our first parkrun started in a different location and we’ve had a few different locations but we are now firmly settled here.”
“It’s a great location because it’s right outside the restaurant, near the car park, there are toilets, there’s lovely views. It’s challenging – there are a few undulations – but I think it’s worth it. It takes your mind off how hard it is when you look at all this lovely scenery. In fact it’s so beautiful that people come back and do it again.”
Inclusive and Community-Focused
Westmill is one of more than 2,300 free-to-enter parkruns globally each week. Famously a run not a race, parkrun is open to all ages and abilities. Many GP surgeries encourage staff and patients to take part or volunteer for mental and physical health benefits.
“What I absolutely love about parkrun is that it’s all-inclusive,” said Carla. “Everyone can take part, no matter their fitness level, background, size or anything. Everyone can do it on their own terms. You can run, jog, walk or do a bit of both. You can do a PB one week and take it easy the next. The tailwalker always stays behind the very last person. It’s a great leveller. Everyone is here for the same reason – to feel good. The emphasis is more and more on mental wellbeing over the years. Afterwards people hang around and have a chat. There are lots of people having coffees, maybe cakes or breakfast. This is what it is all about. You never leave regretting that you turned up. You always feel better at the end.”
For further details about Westmill parkrun, visit their official page.
