I was flying solo as GoodGym volunteer on this task and arrived nice and early for a pre run course check. Setting off for one loop of the course I was expecting the usual rabbit holes but turned the second corner to be greeted by a cow having some grass for breakfast!

After the rest of the check went without any concerns, I reported the unexpected visitor to the run director to discuss cow management strategies! After a bit of debate (and some lighthearted suggestions of giving the cow a high vis vest!), one of the tailwalkers was promoted to official cow marshal and a Council contact was called to help our bovine companion make it back to their correct field.

Cow reporting duties complete, I picked up my pacers bib ready for volunteer role number 2. Lining up at the start I bumped into Sarah and George who I'd met at Thursday's GoodGym session, who were doing their first Coldhams Common Parkrun and first ever Parkrun respectively! It was a very GoodGym affair as they were also running with their friends from GoodGym York!

After a catch up, we were off and focus turned to my watch and trying to help my fellow runners pace themselves. After two laps, I was very smug crossing the line just 3 seconds off my target pace, and helping two chaps to a PB! 💪

After cheering Sarah, George and their friends over the finish line, it was time to head home after what turned out to be a surprisingly eventful start to the day!

GoodGymers where out in force this morning making events happen North and South of the the city.

Up in Northstowe, Becky and I were supporting Cambridge Acorn Project at Northstowe Running Festival by managing a water station on the half marathon route. We took a lovely cycle from Cambridge arriving with plenty of time to fill 100s of cups of water and master the fiddly job of setting up the rubbish sacks.

We had a great time handing out water and cheering on runners who were doing a fantastic job! The rain held off for a while, but about 2 hours in, it started pouring, with the cups filling themselves. Water, water everywhere (and a drop to share) 🌧️

We took cover while the worst passed and had even more respect for runners persevering in those difficult conditions. 💪

After a swift clear up, we headed to a local cafe to warm up with a much needed cup of tea ☕

Further south, Harriet and Caroline were reunited at Fulbourn Hospital parkrun, and were joined by Jacob to make a volunteer dream team. All went smoothly with Harriet as Run Director, supported by Jacob on timekeeping and Caroline on number checking. This new role for Caroline meant a new parkrun challenge badge 🎉 Aligning perfectly, there was plenty of cake to enjoy from parkrunner milestone celebrations. Yum!

Shout out to Scott who was representing GoodGym and in charge of pre-course checks at Coldham's Common parkrun last week when the sun was still shining ☀️

It was an early start at Coldham's Common parkrun where I was course checking ahead of the 333rd event.

Notorious for rabbit holes this morning was no exception with barely any of the course rabbit hole free. Some of the worst were being filled and avoiding the rest was left to fate (all obligatory H&S warnings were given)🐰 🕳️

Slightly underestimating how long it takes to get round the course with extra checks, I ended up jogging most of it, getting an extra mile in before we'd even started.

With the exception of rabbit holes, all was looking good and I arrived back at the start for a brief briefing before we were off!

Unfortunately, there were not enough volunteers to have Pacers, so instead I took it steady in the heat.

It was a great surprise to see Alexandra on tail walking duties and I met Chris at the end who had incorporated parkrun into a longer run. Very impressive!

Well done to all 445 finishers 🙌

A beautiful sunny morning pacing at Coldham's Common parkrun for Caroline, Scott and me.

Getting in early, Scott arrived first to help set up, checking the course and filling in the many, many rabbit holes. Caroline and I cycled over and we all met in time to be handed our pacer vests, get some photos, and share some handy pacing tips. After getting a lovely shout out in the briefing, we were off!

It was a hot one and pretty exposed most of the way round so steady was key. Being a two lap course helped with double checking our pace, and although there were some questions raised about accuracy of the distance, we all came in within 15 seconds of our pacing time, which is pretty good going! 💪 Caroline wins the prize for most pace perfect ⭐

I stayed to help with pack down, clearing the finish funnel and packing the trolley, all very satisfying.

We volunteer at Coldham's on the first weekend of every month, so if you fancy trying a pacing role in a very supportive environment, come along in August.

It was a hot one this morning at Coldham's Common parkrun.

My first time doing post-event close down at Coldham's, which allowed me to enjoy the run first. Shout out to the marshals who were giving so much positive energy, and one even had a dinosaur puppet cheering us on (very motivational) 🦖

I was fortunate to be volunteering with Tina, who had definitely closed down a few parkruns, packing the trolley perfectly and successfully wrangling the name sign (if you've tried to do this you'll know what a skill it is!). Wheeling the trolley was the 'fun' part with all wheels wanting to go in different directions. It certainly needed some strength to manoeuvre, and I suggested it we give it some whoomph 💪 (welly x oomph, I think?? It was early.) It worked, and within half an hour the trolley was stored away in the smartest parkrun container I've ever seen!

Well done to all 407 finishers 🙌

Mini eggs for volunteers this morning at Coldham's Common parkrun 🐣

Feeling motivated, I headed over to my favourite part of the common and excellent marshaling spot 'the trees'. Perfect not only for cheering on parkrunners and walkers, but also ideal for bird and plane spotting. Next to Cambridge airport, there were lots of light aircraft taking off and in amongst the sounds of the planes and my cheering was the distinct tapping of a woodpecker. All very exciting.

Over the other side of town, Harriet was Run Director at Fulbourn Hospital parkrun, ensuring all went smoothly. Nice one 🙌

Well done to all runners and walkers that took part this morning. Enjoy the long weekend ☀️