Reaching 400 parkruns might not be an “official” milestone, but for me, it felt like the perfect excuse for a slightly special destination for our parkrun tourism adventures! With the promise of a rare sunny day ahead, I made a last-minute decision to head to Rutland Water parkrun, a course that’s been on my to-do list for quite some time. Join us as we embark on a memorable journey filled with sunshine, laughter, and a touch of parkrun tourism serendipity. 😊
Watch the film of our adventure on our YouTube channel
A Sunny Start
As the sun glistened on the lake and a gentle breeze blew through the air, we made our way towards the start at the famous Normanton Church. The out-and-back course promised stunning views, with the route stretching out to the far end of the dam before looping back. It was the perfect setting for a memorable parkrun adventure. Ruth and Ewan walked with the tail walker while Iona and I completed a steady sub 40 run.
Engaging the Senses
Our journey was not just about the run; it was a multisensory experience. With the sun warming our backs and the sounds of nature enveloping us, we embarked on our parkrun, clad in our new matching Flancci parkrun Tourist leggings—a fashion statement that attracted plenty of attention and lighthearted banter from fellow parkrunners as we “Mooved” along 🐄 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Unexpected Mishaps and Sweet Surprises
As we approached the finish line, the volunteer team faced an unexpected challenge—running out of finish tokens! With quick thinking and a touch of improvisation, raffle tickets were pressed into service, ensuring that every finisher was duly accounted for. The hiccup only added to the day’s charm and provided fodder for post-run laughter and camaraderie. 🎟️😅
Fortunately, the 400 people who’d finished before us, hadn’t finished the finish line cakes 🍰 an Easter celebration! Iona was a big fan of the peanut butter balls 😊
Cultural Insights at Normanton Church
After the run, we took a moment to explore the iconic Normanton Church, its stone facade seemingly floating above the waterline—a testament to the area’s rich history.💧
Breakfast and Cafe Connections
Our post-run refuelling took place at the Waterside Cafe, where our leggings sparked a selfie request from one of the catering team—an unexpected moment of connection and camaraderie. Over sausage baps and steaming mugs of coffee, we relished the sense of community that permeated the cafe as the volunteer team processed the results in the corner! ☕🥪
Cycling Adventures and Rustic Trails
With our bellies full and spirits high, we embarked on the next leg of our adventure: cycling around Rutland Water. First a little detour into the Specialised Cycle Shop at the start, £12k S-Works anyone?
The cycleride started easy, re-doing the route we’d ran on, but then the going got tough! Once past the dam, the tarmac turned to rough gravel and in many places, muddy puddles, with many steep ups and downs to challenge us. But we were treated to beautiful views of the water, past blooming spring blossoms and frolicking lambs, offering glimpses of natural beauty at every turn. 🚴♀️🌸
Reflections and Gratitude
As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the water, we found ourselves back where we started—muddy bikes and tired legs, but hearts full of gratitude for the day’s adventures. With a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, we headed home, cherishing the memories of a day well spent. 🌅❤️
Reaching 400 parkruns was not just about the number—it was about the journey, the camaraderie, and the moments of unexpected joy along the way. As we reflected on the day’s adventures, we were reminded of the simple pleasures of outdoor exploration and the power of community to make every milestone a celebration. 🎉
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