As we stood under the big tree at 0850 this morning, we were wondering where everyone was, especially with the sun in the sky and dry conditions underfoot - what we did have though was a full complement of volunteers (13 today), including 6 GoodGymmers which was great news as we didn't need to go to the crowd to find a few more marshals.

Of course by five to nine the place was buzzing, and after Nick did the run briefing and led the warmup, it was time for the off and the usual mad dash to the first turning point where Hilary was on duty.

As has been the trend, a small breakaway group soon escaped the pack and were clearly determined to fight (figuratively...) to the finish, whilst everyone behind was happy just to be out on a warm Sunday morning. Passing Rob at the playground turn, Harvey at "Sarah's Tree" and Rue at "far away corner" we were soon through Lap 1, and Sooz, as Tail Walker was breaking into a trot to keep up.

A sprint finish saw our top 3 separated by only four seconds, with 1st and 3rd achieving PBs. We even had to break open the box of spare tokens as 60 happy runners crossed the finish line this morning, of which 16 were first timers to London Fields, and 13 were absolute first timers to junior parkrun...their (or their parent's) Sundays will never be the same.

A brilliant day at the Fields thanks to a stellar team of GoodGym faithfuls.

• 2 new half marathon wristbands • 41 incredible parkrunners • Wrapped up in under 30 minutes.

Rue set-up, course check and the usual Hackney Haka warm-up routine.

Hilary delivering as always on the double lap turning point.

Louise and Lucinda brilliantly marshalling and cheering the kids to complete the course safely.

And a full team effort packing everything away.

Well done team GoodGym!

Easter Sunday at the Fields brought themed bunting (thanks Mas), bunny ears, small chocolate eggs, a welcome return to duty by Sarah who could be found under "her tree", and visitors from as far afield as Cardiff and Bristol contributing towards 5 first timers joining us this morning - even the sun made a brief appearance towards the end, and thankfully the ground has dried out so there aren't even muddy puddles to hop over any more.

21 happy (hoppy?) runners, plus a few of their coaches, were at a chilly start line this morning - and thanks to some generous parents who put their hands up to volunteer, we were ready to go just a little after 9 - Nick, as timekeeper counted them down and they were off. Speedy running at the front of the pack saw our first finisher come in 40 seconds ahead of the second placer, and after that there were a few close finishes, but more importantly a lot of happy faces...who'd all definitely earned their Easter Eggs.

Same time next week for more fun at the Fields.

Fabulously sunny morning down at the Fields.

Sooz, Sarah and Hilary made great headway on setting up the course and coordinating local volunteers for help - ensuring the full route was marshalled safely.

Hilary took charge of the young Duke of Edinburgh volunteers, securing the all important finish zone with expert timekeeping to ensure every one of the 36 runners received their position and time.

Sarah took up position on her favourite tree 🌳 and then they were off.

All finished and packed away in less than 40 minutes - a swift and wholesome start to any Sunday morning.

Today’s stats: 🏃🏽 36 parkrunners in total 🏆 13 of today’s runners achieved a personal best 4️⃣ newcomers came, including 2 tourists all the way from Edinburgh.

At the end of this morning's session, as we were packing everything up, and a small industrious team of little volunteers were token sorting on the ground, Run Director Rue turned to us and said he was a bit disappointed as he'd expected today's turnout to be "closer to 50"...you know you're in extremely tough company when today's actual total of 47 enthusiastic runners doesn't meet the RD's clearly very high expectations on turnout...!!

At 0855 today we had one runner, and about 6 volunteers, and were wondering what we would do if that proved to be today's turnout...but as the minutes ticked towards 9 the crowds appeared from all directions, and we definitely had a parkrun to organise. After a few callouts to the crowd for last minute Marshalls and a Tail Walker, we had all the essential volunteer roles filled and were good to go.

Rue led his now infamous (I'm sure this is what draws the crowd...) Hackney Haka as the warmup act, and it was impressive to see how many of the junior runners now know all the moves by heart, before timekeeper Johnny set them off on 2 laps around the sunny Fields. Marshall Nick briefly had to step in as Tail Walker when a large gap appeared after the final runner, but it transpired that the actual Tail Walker was doing his job perfectly by stopping to check on the welfare of one of our first timers...and soon caught up the back of the pack once again.

Another close finish for the top two positions (separated by just 2 seconds), and then a steady stream of happy faces appeared in the finish funnel - the spring like conditions (and the dried out mud) clearly were inspiring as we had 14 PB's...Rue was probably thinking it should have been at least 20... See you next week for more fun at the Fields.

The Ides of March may be a time for Caesar to beware, but for 50 of our fearless junior runners, there was nothing to fear only lots of fun! This morning, Good Gym was delighted to head to London Fields to support the junior parkrun, and what a spectacular way to spend a spring morning it was too.

With the sun shining brightly, our junior legends lined up, ready to take on the 2k course. It was one of the best spring days we have had so far, and the atmosphere matched. A huge welcome went out to our five first times who opened their running accounts with us. The regulars made sure they felt part of the team, giving them a warm and enthusiastic reception.

It could not have happened without the contributions of the our volunteers, from Good Gym Rue got everyone in the zone by leading the pre-run Hackney Haka. It was met with a lot of enthusiasm. Sarah took up her prime position at "Sarah's Tree," offering high-fives and encouragement to every runner as they powered past. Hilary was our rock at the most crucial spot on the course, maintaining perfect order and safety at the junction (Marshal Point 1).

We were also thrilled to see the spirit of teamwork extend to the parents, with several jumping in to help cover other marshal points around the course. Meanwhile, our enthusiastic Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) crew were absolute professionals, expertly managing the finish line with timing, handing out tokens, and ensuring every barcode was scanned.

And the results? Well, they speak for themselves! Perhaps it was the spring sunshine, the Haka, or the cheering, but an amazing 15 personal bests were smashed this morning!

A massive well done to every single runner who took part. You are all superstars. Good Gym is proud to have been part of your Sunday morning mission.

Same time, same place next week? We wouldn't miss it