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Bramley Breezers Takeover Bramley parkrun

Rachel Fisher

Last weekend it was Bramley Breezers turn to host their very first parkrun takeover, volunteering and supporting the parkrun at Bramley park (with the added addition of neon yellow and blue running tops and post run cake!). I think it’s a milestone for any running club when they host their first event. The enthusiasm and smiles of the volunteers and participants had an effect on the weather, bringing the sun out giving us the hottest parkrun this year so far.  

 

This week 171 people ran, jogged or walked their way down the funnel and across the finish line. Of these, there were 34 people who completed the Bramley parkrun course for the first time with runners from as far as Australia!  There were also 11 participants who completed a parkrun for the first time, which was fantastic given the very hot conditions. The scorching heat was no match for some, with 27 new PB’s chalked up!

 

Breezer Takeover #1 - EDIT

 

The feedback and comments from those at the event was testament to how friendly and supportive a community event parkrun is and how well the takeover went…

 

Matthew Higgins, a run leader for the Breezers said:

 

I loved that some of our runners brought their children along to help cheer and support, It seemed this was very special day in our very short history and each one of us were buzzing (the cakes were great also!)

 

Lisa Hutchinson, volunteer, shared:

 

It was a beautiful moment seeing the sea of people running at the start and being on the other side volunteering. It makes you appreciate the hard work team Bramley parkrun put in, to get the event going every week!

 

I personally have both parkrun and Bramley Breezers to thank for helping me start running. When I first went to a parkrun last summer, I gave up mid way through the second lap, sneaking out of the side of the park. (I’d never run before, I thought 5k would be a doddle – how wrong I was!). I was worried about being last, or people laughing at me.  When I swallowed my pride and went back a second time I realised how much of a supportive community there is at parkrun and that the volunteers are happy to be there, your time doesn’t matter.

 

Similarly I thought I wouldn’t be fast enough to join a running group, intimidated and worried I’d hold a group up. I almost didn’t go that first freezing November evening but I’m glad I did. I’m always made to feel welcome and offered support from the more experienced runners. I think most members would agree the approach-ability of the group and social aspect is one of the reasons people return each week and why numbers have swelled so quickly.

 

In less than a year, Bramley Breezers have gone from a small group running in the cold winter rain to up to 50 runners attending every Monday, running anything from 3k – 10k. New members are welcome to come and join us at 6.55 every Monday at Bramley park cenotaph.

 

I’d like to take this chance to thank the fantastic team at Bramley parkrun who put lots of time and effort into supporting the event every week. The team is always looking for volunteers to help out before and during the event.

 

 

If you are interested in volunteering at Bramley parkrun please express your interest via bramleyhelpers@parkrun.com

 

Checkout Bramley parkrun here: http://runleeds.co.uk/running-events/bramley-parkrun/

 

Bramley Breezer session details: http://runleeds.co.uk/running-group/bramley-breezers/

 

Join the conversation with the Breezers on Facebook: http://runleeds.co.uk/r/bramley-breezers-facebook-group/