On a lovely Sunday morning, as I turned up to Woking Park, run director and several marshals were already there with a friendly smile. There was a steady in steam of young runners making their way to the bandstand. Anne and Olalekan were there and the welcome briefing was just about to start. Anne was given position 11 to marshal, making sure the enthusiastic parents were aware to keep the pathway clear for the little runners and Olalekan was going to witness the joyful finishers as his position is a scanner, helping the youngsters to register their times. The run director, asked me to fill position 12 on the course, this is where the young runners peel off after completing their two laps, but not before! The run director welcoming the runners and gave the instructions for Junior Parkrun number 337. The warm up crew stepped up and once everyone was warned up, the count down to the start line began. A nice clean start to the run sent the children heading down the path, past all the muddy patches! Everyone joined the path without too much mud and then they can enjoy the solid surface of the path. It wasn't long before the first runner flashed past the finish line in a great time of 7:48. A great time with difficult conditions. And in total, 147 happily cross the finish line to complete a successful JPR. Awesome work from Woking GoodGymers 😁

Stephanie and Kirsty were back at Knaphill Lower School this week, cheerfully soggy but undeterred, helping the PTA continue the transformation of the outdoor space into something special for pupils to play and learn in. Our mission: support J, a Duke of Edinburgh participant, in planting 50 hawthorn wicks (that’s roots, for those of us who still think gardening involves guesswork and hope) to form a new hawthorn-lined hedge alongside the living hedge created by GG on previous tasks. we didnt quite manage to get all 50 into the ground, but honestly it was hard to count!

As ever, the project is being powered by the seemingly limitless commitment of Vikki and Mark, with son O firmly in the mix. Proof that community energy, much like hawthorn, thrives in all weather. Rain-soaked, muddy, and oddly satisfying: another GoodGym task well planted. 🌧 Well done Stephanie and Kirsty

Woking Junior Park Run

On this this wet morning Woking GG members were out on the 1st day of Feb to carry out various volunteering roles at junior park run 🏃‍♂️.

Karen was there early followed by Wayne who had a good catch up hearing all about Karen 4 weeks traveling around India 🇮🇳

Adam arrived and it was great seeing him and making steady progress returning back to full fitness. Alys arrived shortly after in her full GG outfit 😀 and she was looking forward to getting her new kitchen installed this week. James arrived full of energy and laughs and to assist in anything.

The conditions were not the best with puddles and a muddy field to contend with. In total there were 113 young runners who took part this morning with the fastest time an amazing 07:48 👏🏽 there were also 43 PB's great running by everyone 😀

Julie joined WEAct volunteers at St John’s Lye for more clearing of the willow trees growing across the grass area. Good progress was made, especially when Hayden got going with his chainsaw. The trimmings were all processed into a habitat heap. Looking forward to another session at Knaphill Lower School on Saturday.

It was the 336th Woking junior parkrun, the route was not too muddy and despite the recent rainfalls, there were not too many puddles either.

James was the run director this morning and welcomed, as well as the regular runners, some of the children from Sythwood Primary School. The school is now a “parkrun primary”. (You may wish to read more about this new scheme: https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2025/09/12/parkrun-primary-initiative/)

James explained to 185 children and their parents about Woking Junior parkrun. Some of the children helped by reminding the crowd about the different rules and a little group of them took charge of the warming up session with a real enthusiasm.

Adam, Liam and Anne were given different roles to encourage the runners around the 2 kms route.

The atmosphere was great, the children enjoyed themselves which made their parents happy! It was a great way to start the day!

Another session at Knaphill, sadly this week only Julie was able to attend from Goodgym. Vikki was already working hard with her family and today’s task was painting - a second coat on the wigwams, finishing off the fence and more green on the newly installed gate. Luckily the morning was dry and bright however the wind was cold. 🥶 great progress this week and plenty more to do next time.