Parkrun Volunteering No 2

Last Saturday I, once again,  volunteered at Parkrun. I decided to do three volunteering stints in memory of Grant who'd become the official sweeper for most of the year as we took part. 

As usual it was great fun for the runners.walkers, doggies, volunteers and visitors alike. 

Joanine Mostert, (third from the right) one of the organizers, arranged to have her whole family at this week's Parkrun. Including her mum and husband. (far left)

As always I zoomed in on the four-legged participants

A proud young father with his cute twin daughters s. Mama on the left took part in Parkrun while dad played putt-putt with the little girls

The start - we're blessed in Winterton to have the most beautiful views (our famous mountain peaks) while you do Parkrun. We're also lucky in that we have many visitors taking part; not only during the holidays but all year round

The little girl in the middle received a certificate stating that she'd done ten Parkruns

You can walk or run the course. It's a 5km round route and there is no precious to finish it in any specific time. As long as you finish it, your barcode will be scanned at the end and your results sent to you by e-mail

My friend, Marelize (who owns a business here in the Vallley) and Tiger her miniature Daschund run the entire way

See? You can walk the course all the while chatting to your friends

The little dog which I snapped earlier decided to stop and see what I was doing kneeling on the grass next to the track

She also caught sight of another dog coming along with her owner....

John Muirhead (my friend and now landlord) and his dog, Katie who doesn't have to walk on a leash  because she's so obedient

Alan and Anthony - our oldest Parkrunners. Ant was late and handed me his running shoes. He finished the course barefoot !

A gentleman and his very energetic young German Shepherd

As I returned to the start/finish I told Esmarie (one of the other organizers) that there was no sweep. Just then a strong runner arrived with his dad and we gave him the volunteer's hi-viz waistcoat and asked him to check for casualties and come in after everyone else.

T

The official sweep

  As volunteers we get a free hot drink while waiting for the runners to come in. We also get a free breakfast; I've not been able to have mine - will save one of the three for when Steve opens the shop for me and I can come in later

The volunteers in Christmas mode

I got quite a jolt when I noticed Grant's Parkrun ticket in the ones which Esmarie keeps for the runners

The first man home in under 19 minutes

First dog home! 

 It was the second time I was scanner of the barcodes as people came in. They store them in interesting places suchj as this one woman: she secured her laminated barcode to her shoelace!

My sweet friend, Jenny strides into the finish

John and Katie stroll up to the finish lane

 The erstwhile boisterous German Shepherd is rather tired by the end of his 5km walk 

This coming Saturday (30 December) I'll volunteer my services again. From 6 January 2018, I hope to be walking the course again. 

Watch this space... 

HAPPY THURSDAY TO YOU ALL!