Woodbank parkrun Event 777 welcomed 278 parkrunners and 20 volunteers—Hazel among them, marshalling the best spot on the course - the downhill turn. It was glowing with spring flowers in full bloom and with gravity doing most of the work, runners practically flew past—smiling, waving. Add in the sun shining like it had something to prove, and honestly, it was less “marshalling” and more “soaking up greetings and vitamin D.” Truly, if marshalling spots were hotel rooms, this one would be the penthouse suite with the all-inclusive upgrade. ☺️🏃‍♀️🌸☀️

At -3°C, Woodbank parkrun wasn’t just a run—it was more “penguin shuffle with a side of frostbite chic.” With other local parkruns slipping into cancellation mode, Woodbank was the hottest (well, coldest) ticket in town.

Hazel decided to have her own 5k, so she ran to the venue first, mastering the penguin shuffle 🐧. Volunteers were thinner on the ground than the layer of grit on those frosty paths, so Maimoona was called up for the role of tail walker, aka “Chief Frost Wrangler.”

Hazel took up her post at the café marshal station, ensuring runners don't accidentally sled down the hill (or have a coffee break 😉) and instead follow the winter route like obedient snowflakes. Despite the cold turning hands and feet into frozen peas, the atmosphere was warmer than a mulled wine stand—full of frosty greetings, icy banters, and smiles that could melt glaciers.🥰

The cherry on this icy cake? Spotting Laura and Gill braving the chill. Because nothing melts your heart faster than familiar faces showing up when your toes have gone on strike. And yes, we all survived without turning into human popsicles.🥶✨