Swanscombe Heritage Park junior parkrun

Swanscombe is an area in the north east of the Borough of Dartford, in Kent, with a population of around 6,500 people. The earliest mention of the name is from 695AD, and over the years has been recorded as Swegenscomp, Swanescampe, and in the Domesday Book as Suinescamp. The motto of the County of Kent is 'Invicta', which comes from Roman times and means unconquered. It is generally accepted that this comes from Kent's conditional surrender to William the Conqueror after his victory over the last Saxon King of England, Harold II, at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is claimed that the men of Kent met (or intercepted) William at, or near, Swanscombe, on his journey to London and offered a peaceful transition if he agreed to grant their ancient rights, which he did.

Swanscombe is home to one of two identical 190 metre-high electricity pylons, the other being in West Thurrock. Together these are the two tallest electricity pylons in the UK. They stand on either bank of the River Thames and support the overhead power line which runs between them. Swanscombe and its adjacent areas have a long history of being quarried for the materials required to support north Kent's cement production industry. One of these vast quarries is now home to Bluewater shopping centre, which lies just to the west of Swanscombe. Another quarry was called Barnfield Pit, and a number of archaeological finds, including a number of hand axes.

The most significant discovery here was made in 1935, 1936 and 1955 when three fragments of the same skull were found. Further analysis showed that the skull belonged to an early or pre-neanderthal person, and it dates from around 400,000 years ago. It was initially known as Swanscombe Man, although further investigations suggest that the skull actually belongs to a woman. It is one of only two Lower Palaeolithic human fossils to ever be found in Britain (the other one is known as Boxgrove Man). The Swanscombe Skull is on display at the National History Museum. 

Quarrying at Barnfield Pit ceased, possibly in 1936, and it was subsequently backfilled with Thanet Sand. In 1954 it was made a National Nature Reserve when it was donated to the nation by its owner, the Associated Portland Cement Company. The site is technically owned by Natural England and is leased to Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council where it is open as a public park called Swanscombe Heritage Park. It covers an area of 9.6 acres and in 1988 was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The park was given a makeover in 2005 where new interpretation boards, set within large split granite rocks, were installed and new pathways created. At the main entrance is an oversized sculpture of a 400,000 year old hand axe that was found at the site. It was unveiled at the park's re-opening ceremony in June 2005 by archaeologist Phil Harding, who is most well-known as being part of Channel 4's Time Team series.

In March 2024 the park became home to Swanscombe Heritage Park junior parkrun, which is a free, weekly, timed 2k event. The junior parkrun series takes place on Sundays and is open to children of all abilities aged 4-14. Participants should be registered and have been issued with their own personal barcode before taking part, this personal barcode will be required for scanning at the end of the event.

There is a free-of-charge car park which is next to Swanscombe Leisure Centre, just off Craylands Lane. The closest train station is Swanscombe and this is located about 1 kilometre to the east. My understanding is that there are no bus services that stop at the park on a Sunday, but there are some services that stop on London Road, which is not too far away. Once at the park's main entrance, the huge hand axe sculpture is the most distinctive feature. Once at the sculpture, there are a choice of three paths to follow - the meeting point for the parkrun can be found by following the middle path. If you require a toilet, just pop into the leisure centre before entering the park.

The entire parkrun is set within the park's rectangular central open grass area which I'd say is roughly the size of two adjacent football pitches. The perimeter measures almost exactly 500 metres and is mostly bordered by trees, bushes or a sloped bank. The grass area is totally flat and seems to cope well after wet weather, I expect the drainage is good owing to the park sitting on the back-filled sand. As is standard at junior parkruns up and down the country, the kids are given a briefing which is followed by the legendary junior parkrun warm-up! This takes place at the start area which is on the north-east side of the grass field.

The course could easily have been four identical laps around the perimeter, but that would most likely end up being a little chaotic with lots of lapping and the very youngest children having no idea how many laps they had done at any given point. So...

... in order to make it a little more manageable, and a little bit more fun, a two-and-a-bit lap course has been designed. This features some parts where the course sticks to the perimeter, but also a central section which is affectionately called 'The Snake' or 'The Lanes'. Underfoot is 100% grass and as mentioned above, it is flat. As far as footwear is concerned, in the winter I would say that a trail-style shoe may be better than a road-style shoe, but it's a fun kids event, so I guess they will wear what they feel happiest in.

From the start on the north-east side, the junior parkrunners (and probably a few accompanying adults) set off in a clockwise direction, initially following the perimeter of the field.

At approximately half-way into the lap, on the western side of the field, the snake section begins. The course turns into the inner grass area and heads straight across before doing a 180 degree turn and heading back towards the south-western perimeter, in effect creating an out-and-back section. Once back at this end the course re-joins the perimeter path ever-so-briefly and then does another separate long out and back across the centre of the field. Thus creating the snake.

Once back on the south-western side, the course re-joins the perimeter path where it continues in a clockwise direction around until reaching the start area - this completes the lap. It is repeated one more time, again returning to the original start area. From here the course continues around the perimeter of the field until reaching the finish funnel which is located next to the bench on the south-eastern side of the field.

The finish funnel must only be entered by children in the 4-14 age group - any accompanying adults should peel off to avoid entering the finish funnel itself. The children are given finish tokens which are then presented along with their own personal barcode to one of the volunteers scanning barcodes.

The results are processed after the event and published on the Swanscombe Heritage Park junior parkrun results page. At time of writing, this event is still very new so is still in the early days of becoming established. The number of participants tends to hover in the 12-20 region with it dropping into single figures when the weather is particularly bad.

I have done a freedom run of the course and the resulting GPS data along with a Relive course fly-by video can be viewed via the links at the bottom of this page.

Should any visitors be looking for any post-parkrun activities, the first one that comes to mind is to follow the heritage trail and learn about the history of the place and the items discovered here. There is also a very small playground which will give the kids something to do for a while. Finally there is the Swanscombe Leisure Centre which has a very small range of snack items for sale at their reception desk, plus they can also knock up a hot drink too. Even if you do not require refreshments, I would recommend popping into the leisure centre as they have a small display cabinet showing some of the archaeological finds from the pit, including a replica of the Swanscombe Skull.

I should also mention that at the time of writing, I am volunteering here every week, so if you visit, please come and say hello. Also if any parkrun voluntourists fancy paying the event a visit, your help will be very much appreciated.

Related links:

• The course GPS data (March 2024)
• The course Relive course fly-by Video (March 2024)

• Swanscombe Heritage Park junior parkrun (Event home page)

Tonbridge junior parkrun

There has been a 5k parkrun in Tonbridge since November 2013 and in July 2017 this was joined by a 2k junior version. We had good intentions to visit shortly after it started, but for one reason or another, we never managed to make it, until now.

The venue for Tonbridge junior parkrun is Tonbridge Farm Sportsground (please note: this is not the same venue as the 5k event) which occupies around 16 hectares of land just to the north of the town centre. You can access it by heading along Shipbourne Road before turning onto Darenth Avenue and dropping down the hill and into the sportsground car park, which has ample space and is free-of-charge to use.

The sportsground and adjacent area consists of a playground, a skatepark, five-a-side football pitches, basketball court, Tonbridge Bowling Club, and an open sports field which is marked with five football pitches and a cricket pitch. This open area is also used for the parkrun. There is a clubhouse which I understand contains toilets, however it didn't appear to be open when we visited (this may have been Covid related). The nearest alternative public toilets are near Tonbridge Castle just off the high street.

The sportsground is also the location of Longmead Stadium - this is home to Tonbridge Angels Football Club, Incidentally the football club used to be based at 'Angel Ground' which was right in the town centre but it was demolished in 1980 to make way for a shopping centre, which forced the move to the new stadium.

The parkrun takes place over a two-and-a-bit lap clockwise course around the almost-rectangular playing field. It's a flat course and underfoot is a combination of beautifully kept lush grass and paths. You only actually use the grass for one of the four sides of the rectangle, with the remaining three on hard paths. The good thing for parents is that as it is a large open area, you can easily see the entire course from the main congregation point / finish point.

Things to note around the course: There is a little camber while on the grass which drops downwards towards the adjacent bushes. Also, the adjacent field to the west is home to a flock of sheep, so it's nice to hear the background sounds of them bleating away while plodding around the course.

At present, the event attracts an average of 87.9 participants each week (add the parents and you are likely to have around 130 or so people moving around the course). Once the initial pack has spread out, there is ample space for everyone. We had visited at event 142 on 15 August 2021 where my daughter took part with her friend and there were 89 finishers, so almost spot-on the average.

The results were processed swiftly and we received our notifications while we were still in the playground. My daughter commented that she really liked this venue, part of this was down to the fact that she found that the course felt shorter then some other junior parkrun venues she has visited. I reckon that had something to do with the fact that she took part with her friend who she hadn't seen since before the Covid lockdown, and her attention was distracted by chatting about Minecraft instead. We've all done it!

I did my own freedom run/walk around the course so I had some GPS data to share, and here it is: Strava - Tonbridge Junior parkrun. I also uploaded the data to the Relive app which created a nice little fly-by video, which can be found here: Tonbridge junior parkrun fly-by video. It was a nice venue for the event and expect it won't be the last time we visit, especially if her friend is keen to do it again.

Related post:

Tonbridge parkrun

Dartford junior parkrun 27 (Christmas 2016)

My daughter, Matilda's love of parkrun comes and goes throughout the year and in 2016 she has mostly decided not to take part. As an alternative she has spent quite a few Sunday mornings training at Dartford Valley Rugby Club, plus she has also taken part in a few Obstacle Course Races (OCR) which were great fun. In the last few weeks, her attention has, once again, turned to junior parkrun.

Despite being a little on the tired side, the lure of a Christmas-themed event and a few hours with the great core team of volunteers was enough to tempt her out of the warm and cosy bed for a couple of laps of our local park. The weather was really mild for the time of year, so that also made it easier to get up and out.

merry christmas [photo: renee-marie young]

We managed to get out of the house in good time and wandered over to the park where we were greeted by the festively dressed volunteers. Matilda wore her Santa suit (probably a tad on the small side now, so we'll buy a new one next year) and I did my best with a red running top, a santa hat and my favourite festive socks.

Matilda decided that we would continue our Formula 1 themed junior parkrunning, but as it was Christmas, it was mixed with a bit of festive spirit. We spent a good deal of the run with Adam, who was tail running. We did pit-stops every now and then and there were lots of jingling sounds coming from our jingle bells and from Adam's festive jumper.

we were red bull two one this week [photos: renee=marie young]

We had already made plans to go for breakfast in the local Wetherspoons after the run, and it worked out that the core team had also decided to do the same. So we all went over to the pub where we were joined by the third member of our family.

The official results were online a few hours later and Matilda had completed her 29th junior parkrun in a time of 16.06. This was a little slower than her last run, but it was still a decent time for her - the only stops were for a quick breather during the pit-stops. So with 2016 all done, I'm eagerly awaiting what type of sport/activity takes her fancy in 2017. I suspect the OCRs will feature heavily once they start up again, but whatever it is, we'll do our best to have as much fun as possible doing it!

Dartford Junior parkrun 24

Over the last six months or so, my daughter, Matilda, has not really been interested in running at junior parkrun. However, when I suggested we could pop over to Central Park for Dartford Junior parkrun's 24th event, she said that she quite fancied it.

So we made a plan to take part in the parkrun and then go to the pub for a father-daughter breakfast. After what felt like an age of faffing around, we finally got out of the house 21 minutes before the run was due to start.

warm up...

Arriving at the start just a minute before the warm-up was due to start, we got changed out of our coats and Matilda went over to get loosened up while I sorted out our bag. A few minutes later we were at the start line and ready to go.

As soon as we started, Matilda decided that we should play Formula 1, so we picked Red Bull as our team and got to work on our first lap. We had a few slower moments where a rest was required, but by large we kept moving at one speed or another.

junior parkrunner and her v25 t-shirt

High-fives were being handed out left, right and centre by the fantastic course marshals. By the time we reached lap 2, we decided to bring on some F1 themed pit-stops. So every couple of hundred metres one of us would pull into the pits and the other would change the wheels and then release us back onto the track.

I had no idea how much time we had taken to go around the course because I had forgotten to take my stopwatch. We soon reached the final straight and Matilda took the chequered flag while I peeled off onto the grass next to the finish funnel (adults are not allowed in the finish funnel).

finishing token

It turns out that Matilda [parkrun profile] had managed to knock three seconds off her all-time junior parkrun personal best. Her new PB stands at 15.18, which of course, she's not overly fussed about because, well, she's six years old and was more interested in playing with the other children.

I, on the other hand, was very excited about her new PB, especially as it had been six months since she last took part in a junior parkrun. We continued our morning, as planned, with a visit to the pub for some jam on toast and a drink before heading back home to watch the final race of the Formula 1 season.

Highbury Fields junior parkrun

We were staying in Central London for the Westminster Mile 2016 [blog] and as our wave wasn't due to start until 11.55am, that left plenty of time to squeeze in a junior parkrun. So the natural choice was to head over to Highbury Fields junior parkrun.

This junior parkrun takes place on part of the course that is used for the full 5k Highbury Fields parkrun [blog]. We travelled there on the tube to Highbury and Islington station (also served by mainline trains) because, well, it's central London and travelling by car would have been silly. Firstly there are parking restrictions in place all around the local area and secondly it's so much easier to use public transport while in the centre of London.

[photos: dani]

We left just enough time before the junior parkrun to visit the playground which we have been to before and is pretty cool. Soon enough parkrun o'clock came around and for this venue that time is 9.30am (remember, junior parkrun start times do vary between venues - check first!).

While the briefing took place I knocked out a teeny freedom run on the course (partly as a warm up for the Westminster Mile later that morning) which is 100% tarmac and undulates ever-so-slightly. Three anti-clockwise laps are required to complete the full 2 kilometres.

[photos: dani]

As I arrived back at the start/finish area, the official junior parkrun warm up was just about to start and largely used the template, but the day's warm-up leader threw in a few extra moves for fun (runner bean - broad bean!) and I liked this. All parkruns should feel familiar and follow the same processes, but it is very refreshing to see someone break away from the mould every now and then.

The runners were despatched straight after the warm-up and as Matilda wanted me to run with her, we headed off together for her three laps. The first two seemed to be fairly tough for her, but the third saw her spring into life and once she got a sniff of the finish line, I could barely keep up.

[photos: dani]

With her barcode scanned, we headed back to the playground to continue with the playing. She made me very dizzy on a roundabout thingy that requires the occupants to pedal. Then she insisted that I have a go on the gigantic slide - it was fun, but there were lots of kids playing so I declined the offer of a second go!

Then it was time to head over to Green Park for the Westminster Mile [blog], which is a great event. Shortly after arriving at Green Park, I received Matilda's result text message [full results here] and while she hadn't threatened her personal best 2k time, she did have a nice time at Highbury Fields and that's what it's all about. It's one that we'd certainly swing by again if the opportunity presented itself.

Dartford junior parkrun 1

It was inevitable that after the success of Dartford parkrun a junior event would eventually follow. Conversations had been ongoing ever since the full 5km event started, but it just needed that one person to come forward to be the event director before it could really gather some momentum. I seriously considered taking it on myself, but decided against it.

Fast-forward to 22 May 2016 and the Event Director, Angela O'Sullivan, along with her fantastic core team were ready to go live with their inaugural event, which takes place in Central Park, Dartford.

[photos: bruce li / 7t]

As with all junior parkruns, this is a 2km event which takes place every Sunday morning. Remember that times do vary between junior events, but this one has a 9am start time. I imagine that most people attending this event will be local, but for anyone travelling here, Dartford train station is about 5-10 minutes away from the park.

All the local buses that stop in the town centre will get you with a few minutes walk of the start line. If travelling by car, there are some public car parks in the town centre and as I understand it, parking is free on Sundays. Bike racks are situated outside the cafe.

[photos: bruce li / richey]

The run itself starts outside the 'Cafe in the Park' which is located within the children's playground. Just head towards the white, wooden building in the centre of the park and you'll be in the right place. The course is made up of 2 laps on a mixture of tarmac paths and grass (the grass section is quite short). The course is flat apart from one teeny, weeny bump at the end of each lap. 

So on the day of the inaugural event, we wandered over to the park and arrived in good time for the start. It was always my intention to volunteer at the event, but my daughter wanted me to run with her, so I did that and my wife volunteered as a marshal.

[photos: dani]

The standard junior parkrun warm-up took place and this was followed by an opening speech from the leader of the council who has been very supportive to both parkruns in Dartford. With the runners in place at the start line, the signal was given and the first Dartford junior parkrun was underway.

It was a lovely, sunny morning and two laps later Matilda crossed the line to complete her 26th junior parkrun and her 11th different junior parkrun venue (it was also the 6th inaugural junior parkrun that she had been present at - however only 5 of those are logged as completed runs as she had a DNF at Medway juniors).

[photos: bruce li]

It wasn't one of her greatest runs as she didn't really seem to be into it this week, but she stuck with it and had a smile on her face when she crossed the line where she was handed her finish token by her favourite 'silly guy' Adam. We hung around for a bit to chat but we soon had to head off for our 15 minute walk up the hill to the rugby club where Matilda was due to continue her morning's activities.

The core team have a great deal of experience between them so it was no surprise that the results were processed at lightning speed - in fact we received Matilda's results text message before we had even arrived at the rugby club. The roving parkrun photographer, Bruce Li, was at the event, and as well as taking some great photos he also knocked up an incredible video from the morning. You can find it here: Dartford junior parkrun #1 (video)

A perfect start to what is another great addition to Dartford's running community.

Lesnes Abbey Abbey Abbey Woods junior parkrun 55

After an absence of 10 months, we returned to Lesnes Abbey Woods junior parkrun for a visit. In the time we had spent away, the parkrun had been temporarily relocated to an alternative venue while new paths at Lesnes Abbey were laid. With that work now complete, the parkrun has returned home.

new lesnes abbey woods entrance [photo: 7t]

Our plan was to try out a new Sunday morning plan, which we hope to make a regular occurrence. A visit to a local 9am junior parkrun followed by rugby training. Anyway, Matilda introduced a friend to junior parkrun this week.

So it was nice to run around with the two of them. We stayed together for the whole of the first two laps, but as we started lap three Matilda's friend decided that he would prefer to walk and Matilda continued her run to complete the course in 17.38 [results]. I stayed with her friend and we finished about a minute-and-a-half later.

The new paths are pretty good to run on. They are a little gravelly and they replace some quite uneven grass sections that were originally part of the course. There is one section to look out for where a bench has been placed on the path right on the natural running line - it looks like an accident waiting to happen. I'd be tempted to stick a marshal there to be on the safe side.

With the run finished, we jumped back in the car and headed over to Dartford Valley Rugby Football Club for the second of the morning's activities. The rugby training is good fun and much more interactive and engaging than parkrun, so I think Matilda actually prefers this.

However it's great that we can squeeze both in, and from next week the brand Dartford junior parkrun starts which will make it even easier to do the parkrun-rugby double!

Hilly Fields junior parkrun 53

This was our second visit to Hilly Fields junior parkrun, the first visit didn't end too well as Matilda tripped over on her first lap and hurt her knees. She didn't carry on with the run and we retreated to the cafe until she started to feel a little better. You can read all about that visit in my original Hilly Fields junior parkrun blog post.

pre-run [fertas: dani]

Our main reason for being in this neck of the woods was that New Cross Fire Station were having an open day and we had decided to go. The fire station is only five minutes away from Hilly Fields (by car). It was also Hilly Fields junior parkrun's first birthday, so it just all tied in very nicely.

We arrived at Hilly Fields and wandered over to the parkrun meeting point. As we were walking across, Matilda said to me 'Papa, is this the place were I fell over and hurt my knees?' 'Yes' I replied. I could tell she was now a little apprehensive about running here, but I assured her that I'd stay with her during her run and hold her hand if required.

all three smiling in one ferta - that's rare [ferta: lisa power]

As we reached the start/finish area, I was immediately hit by the community feel here - somehow it feels so different to anywhere else. The park has a bohemian vibe to it and this seems to extend into the junior parkrun.

The run briefing and warm-up took place in the usual way and we then lined up at the back for the run. We headed off at a nice slow pace and started to play some games. Firstly it was The Hobbit - I was Thorin Oakenshield and Matilda was Smaug the Dragon.

another collage [fertas: lisa power / dani]

We played this until we got about halfway around the first lap, at this point we switched to Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, playing the scene where they are running away from the large boulder. Matilda managed to get away from the boulder thanks to her new, super speedy running shoes.

After this, we reached the 'hilly' part of Hilly Fields which is a section of 200 metres or so uphill back to the start/finish area. She put in a good effort up this hill, but at the top she started complaining of a pain in her right calf. I gave it a quick massage but it didn't help so we mostly walked the second lap. However, lap two did include a section of hopping which we dubbed 'parkhop'.

parkrun 24 for lime [ferta: lisa power]

She manage to put in a good effort for the last 100 metres and as she reached the finish line, she stopped. She won't tell me exactly why, but the word on the street is that she was checking that the timer (Adele) was doing her job properly.

With her barcode scanned and Hilly Fields junior parkrun birthday cake in hand, we headed off to the playground while Matilda's mum picked up some breakfast and drinks in the cafe. We spent a good deal of time in 'Pistachios in the park' cafe drinking their great coffee (it really is worth visiting for the coffee alone) and reading some of the cafe's children's books.

post-run [fertas: dani]

Another visit to the playground and then it was time to head over to New Cross Fire Station (apparently, it's the oldest operational Fire Station in Europe) for the open day, which was fun. 

Bushy junior parkrun 73

In the past we were regular volunteers at Bushy junior parkrun, but when we moved to Dartford it was just too far to travel so we stepped back from our regular roles. Somehow two-and-a-half years flew by and we still hadn't been back for a visit. The first Sunday in April is Bushy junior parkrun's birthday and 2016 marked six years since the first one. So we thought this was as good a time as any to pay that long overdue visit.

first outing in her new balance fresh foam zante v2 shoes [photo:7t]

The last time we were at Bushy Park, Matilda had only just turned three years old and had never actually run at the event. So our return was more than one of visiting and volunteering. It would be Matilda's first official run there (in total her twenty-third junior parkrun and her ninth junior parkrun venue). However, there have been a few changes since our last visit.

run briefing [photo:7t]

Firstly, the run used to start at the Teddington Gate entrance and consist of an out-and-back alongside Chestnut Drive. The route is still run on exactly the same ground but now in the opposite direction. The start/finish area is now located in the centre of the park next to the Diana Fountain and the car park (which is free-of-charge) and the runners head off in the direction of Teddington Gate for 1 kilometre before turning around and heading back towards the start/finish. Another big positive with this change is that the toilets are much closer to the new start area.

off we go. starting at the back to avoid getting tangled up in the crowds

The other big change is that the event now starts at 10am rather than the 11am start that it used to have a few years ago. This event still only takes place once per month, so if you're planning on visiting make sure it is the first Sunday of the month that you head over.

keeping good pace [photo: dani]

So we arrived about an hour before the event started and lent a hand at getting some bits and pieces sorted pre-run. I had already had a chat to Matilda and she wanted me to run with her, so Dani had volunteered to be a marshal while I kept Matilda company on her run. This was also the first time she had had the opportunity to wear her brand new New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v2 shoes which she is currently helping me to review.

always time for some fun and games [photo: dani]

Bushy junior parkrun attracts a lot of runners and for this event there were 230 children taking part. The standard junior parkrun warm-up started at about 9.55am and everyone was raring to go by the time the clock struck 10. Except I had lost Matilda in the crowd - fortunately we had already agreed to start near the back and I eventually found her exactly where we had planned to be.

p174 [photo:7t]

Due to the unavoidable congestion that 230 children plus a good number of parents cause, we had a really slow start. But as the field of runners started to thin out we got into our stride. It was a nice steady pace and as the turnaround point came into view I was surprised that we hadn't slowed for a walking break. We continued our nice pace, chatting and jumping over small branches and twigs that had fallen from the line of trees that create the avenue which the course is run along.

scanneroos [photo:7t]

Matilda got a high-five from her marshaling mum and before we knew it the finish line was coming into sight. I teased Matilda by saying that I was going to enter the finish funnel before her and she reminded me that grown-ups are not allowed to enter the finish funnel and that Nicki had earlier threatened to poke me with sharp stick if I went anywhere near it! So as we reached the end I sensibly pulled off to the side and allowed her to complete her run in style.

clearing up. this was actually a race. i lost. [photo:dani]

After collecting her finish token, we went off to get her barcode scanned. During our days as regular volunteers here, my favourite role was as barcode scanner. So it was nice to experience Bushy juniors barcode scanning as a parent. It's still very busy and the four barcode scanners worked tirelessly to scan the barcodes of the 200+ children that all crossed the line within the space of just over 10 minutes.

helping to wind up the finish funnel tape [photo:7t]

Once that was done we headed over to the finish area to clap in the last few runners and then we assisted with tidying up the finish area before heading off for a well deserved coffee, lunch and a sweet treat from Caffe Nero in Teddington. Once the results had been processed we learned that Matilda had run 15.34 which is only 13 seconds off her 2km pb, that is pretty good considering we had a very slow start and were playing and chatting all the way around. We had a fantastic time and Matilda really wants to go back, which we will do. It's just a shame it's such a long drive for us.

Eltham junior parkrun 5

Eltham junior parkrun event 5 fell on Easter Sunday and was special for a few reasons. Firstly, Matilda had just received a surprise visit from her Oma (German Grandmother) and secondly, after having completed her 21st junior parkrun at event 3, she was due to be presented with her junior parkrun marathon milestone wristband.

collecting her marathon wristband [photo:7t]

With wind and rain, the weather wasn't exactly ideal, but we had made a plan and we were sticking to it. Upon arrival we spotted that the volunteers were all wearing bunny ears, the were some post-run treats waiting on the registration table and the Easter Bunny had showed up to do what easter bunnies do. Except Matilda wasn't really that keen on the costumed figure standing before her, so she declined a high-five and refused to have her photo taken with him.

out on the course [photo:7t]

We listened to the pre-run briefing and then it was time for the presentations with the Easter Bunny handing out the wristbands. Eeek.. 'will she go up to collect it from him?' I thought. Anyway, she did and all was fine, but she still wasn't that keen and kept a reasonable distance.

a surprise visit from germany [photo:7t]

Onto the run itself, and I really do slow Matilda down when I run with her. Instead of putting in a concentrated effort we always play games as we go around. This week we spent the entire two-lap run playing Lord of the Rings. Matilda was mostly Galadriel (riding Gandalf's horse Shadowfax) and I flittered between pretty much every other character including Smaug the Dragon from The Hobbit.

a lovely morning [photo:7t]

After the run, Matilda got to work on consuming the easter goodies that she had picked up from the registration table. Then somehow she agreed to have her photo taken with the Easter Bunny, but she was still a little freaked out by him!

She also had a mention in the run report: Eltham junior parkrun event 5 run report

Eltham junior parkrun 3

Our visit to Eltham parkrun for event 3 followed a similar theme to the previous week. Run, then back to the car to head over to the cinema for a Sunday morning movie.

The notable thing about this run was that it was Matilda's 21st junior parkrun which means that she earned her entry into the junior parkrun marathon club.

ejp3 [photo:dani]

However, she almost pulled out half-way around as she didn't fancy completing the course, but after a quick fatherly motivational speech, she got stuck in to the second lap.

That second lap involved a father-daughter competition to reach the finish line with the first to cross the finish line earning the right to hold the popcorn at the cinema.

ejp3 briefing/warm-up [photo: dani]

It was only as we entered the last 100 metres that Matilda pointed out to me that it didn't matter how fast I ran, I wasn't allowed to cross the finish line and by default she would be the first to cross the line and thus earn the right to be controller of the popcorn.

So with that done we headed straight over to the cinema and watched the Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie movie, which was being shown as part of the 'movies for juniors' range and that means the entry fee is a very reasonable £1.75 per person!

ejp3 half-way around [photo: dani]

She's looking forward to her next junior parkrun visit where she's going to be presented with her marathon club wristband.

Eltham junior parkrun 2

On the morning of Eltham junior parkrun's second event we had made plans to go to the cinema at Bexleyheath for a nice morning out. The film was scheduled to start at 10am so we had just enough time to squeeze in Matilda's 20th junior parkrun beforehand.

eltham park south [photo:7t]

Winter seemed to have turned up a little late this year and although it was March it was actually colder than January and February had been. So we wrapped up just enough to make sure we didn't freeze and headed over to Eltham Park South.

it's a sign [photo: dani]

I felt that last week's blog lacked a little detail about the park and while looking around I found a sign in the park that explained a little more about the park's history. It says that Eltham Park South was previously owned by Archibald Corbett who built the nearby Corbett Estate.

half-way around [photo: dani]

The park was purchased by Woolwich Council in 1903. In 1924 a Lido was opened. It remained open and in use until it was closed in 1988. It was demolished in 2006 and the area landscaped into what we see today.

someone seems to be enjoying it [photo: dani]

The plan for Matilda's parkrun was to get around, get scanned and then get straight back to the car so we had a fighting chance of getting back to the cinema on time. So we listened to the run briefing, had our warm-up and then got straight on with the two laps that make up this event.

to the batmobile... [photo: dani]

The grassy sections felt a little squishier in places than the previous week, but that didn't stop us playing the usual set of games as we went around the course. For Matilda, this week featured less snot-a-roos so we managed to get around almost three minutes faster than last week. This meant that she came away with a new personal best for the course, which was nice.

nice bespoke signs [photo:7t]

It was also great to see that the entry angle to the finish funnel had been adjusted making it much easier to run into (see my previous Eltham parkrun blog]. While we were running, my wife ordered us some toast from the cafe and was very impressed with how friendly they were. So we were able to have a quick snack as we headed back over to the car which worked out pretty well. We hit the road and made it to the cinema just in time to see The Good Dinosaur, which was pretty good.