I decided I wanted to be involved in the running of events and helping people get into sports and now I am an official fully fledged Sports Maker.... well after today and doing my bit I am!
After my first Park Run last week and the fact I can't run at the moment due to my ankle still not being 100% I volunteered to marshall at Park Run. Turning up to the field I wondered where was the field? It was totally covered in fog! So much for the 27 degrees we were promised today. I soon found some of the organizers James, Sally & Richard and started to help set out the start & finish markers, whilst chatting away it was apparent that the event has been growing and growing with a record number of 176 runners turning up to one event.
After setting out the markers a quick check was done to see if a marshall was needed on the far end of the field to show people the way as in all honesty you could barely see a meter in front of you. I was then paired up with a nice lady called Sharon who was also injured and helping out whilst her friend and daughter ran the course. High Vis jackets at the ready and off we went a short walk to the point we would spend the next hour standing.
We were stood a couple of feet away from each other so able to have a natter in between the runners coming through. Sharon placed herself at the top of the hill in the wood and I was positioned just out side of the wood directing the runners to the right although I knew 99% of them would know where they were going I felt really important none the less.
I've always found marshalls funny on runs, you get some that just stand there like they want to be anywhere else in the world at the point, then you get some that are really amazing clapping and cheering you with words of support. I wasn't sure how I was going to be but knew I would smile at everyone and hope for the best. It wasn't long before we saw the first runner and boy was he going some! It was amazing.. one of the things I really enjoyed was seeing the people at the front the quick ones as I'm usually able to see their backs then they disappear! The thought crossed my mind whether he needed or even wanted a clap and a well done as he seemed to be a pro, it didn't matter much anyway he was past me like a bolt of lightning and that was that!
It was near on two minutes later that the next runner came by we couldn't believe how far in front the leader was.. saying that the next 30 or so runners looked just as good. I half thought about slipping one of them my barcode so I could get a sub 20 minute finish! I will say one thing though they looked terrible, flob swinging everywhere! and thats when I realised I really do not push myself hard enough especially on the shorter distances. I look picture perfect (well sort of ) at the end these people look like they are about to collapse but hey if thats what gets you a sub 27 minute 5k I'm in!! So watch this space!
The rest of the runners were brilliant too each one thanked me for ..well just being there I guess... I was clapping, cheering, saying well done, telling people not far to go now. Although I know some of these things may have seemed condescending to some runners who have ran the course like 100 times over. The children running with parents did amazing and always said thank you on their way past. One thing I love about park run is no matter how fast or how slow you are whether it be an 18minute finish or 45 minute finish..it's a finish and the marshalls are still there for you.
Job done and I had a brilliant time, alot of work goes into putting on events like this and more so the bigger events and I really respect the fact that they should be acknowledged now for the hardwork.
Bring on the flob and hopefully some pbs at future park runs.
No comments:
Post a Comment