Last week intrepid Stepper Wayne Chalmers took on the challenge of a sandy Great Yarmouth parkrun.
He’s sent us this report on the event to ‘encourage’ others to have a go…
It’s Saturday afternoon and I’ve just about recovered. I’m on holiday in Norfolk and talking to a lifeguard at the local pool about parkrun. He tells me that he’s done Gorleston a few times but hadn’t heard that there was one at Great Yarmouth. I tell him that if he enjoys a challenge then he should give it a go. When I tell him that it’s two laps completely on sand then I am finding it harder to convince him. It sounds tough he says. He is not wrong.
Visiting and enjoying the Norfolk coast fairly regularly, my usual haunt is the very friendly (and mostly flat) Gorleston (a few miles south of Great Yarmouth). However, this time I fancied a change and decided to have a look at what was around. Great Yarmouth North Beach is a relatively new parkrun given the enforced lay-off for the pandemic. This was only event #10. Two laps of sand, sand, a bit deeper sand and some more sand just to make sure you know it is there. It could not be more different to its Norfolk cousin and it makes Northampton feel like a Sunday afternoon stroll.
Earlier in the week, I drop Trevor (the volunteer co-ordinator) an email and offer to write a report on my experiences. He gladly accepts subject to the event going ahead. As with many parkruns, the core team here are always looking for volunteers and without them there isn’t an event. Luckily, the pleas bear fruition and it is able to take place.
Saturday morning arrives and the weather is dry. Very little breeze and from speaking to one of the volunteers, the conditions are as good as they get here. I meet Trevor and RD for the day Russell. Both very friendly and obviously proud of the event they put on. The pink army are out in force and we are treated to the briefing for the many first timers and tourists who have turned up. I chat to Justin who is from Redway Runners in Milton Keynes and note runners from as far afield as London with several other clubs from across the country represented. parkrun is definitely back and as word spreads, this one is going to be very popular!
During the preliminaries, we have a very keen dog who cannot wait to get started. Some of the two-legged variety are not looking or sounding as keen. A prompt 9.00am start and we are off!
We set off straight towards the beach before a sharp right turn and then the two laps of fun! The initial stages seem quite friendly as the sand is not too deep and the runners in attendance work out their own strategies to counter the conditions. Whichever strategy you choose to use, it is soon tough going! Then the fun becomes less fun. Turning right at the pier and you are into treacle territory. Much deeper sand and a challenge to keep the legs going, particularly in a straight line. Objective number one is staying on the feet and not getting closer to a soft landing! This reminds me of a few hill sessions I have done with Michelle. The difference is that this is tough for a minute or so!
A long stretch through more sand before circumnavigating the dunes and avoiding sea holly and potential adders. No snakes to report on this occasion. As we turn to the seafront, and having been encouraged endlessly by the brilliant marshal team, we have another long stretch before reaching the ‘Corner of Doom’ for the second time. If I felt I was going slow the first time, this time felt like being in reverse. However, with more encouragement ringing in our ears, we carry on and get through it. Slightly tiring but determined to meet this undoubted challenge. We have past halfway after all.
I get back through the sand and somehow reach the shoreline again, trying a combination of sand, shingle and whatever I think will get me to the finish line sooner. It’s hard to find anything that would make me quicker at this point. I reach the final turn, appreciating that I don’t have to go back to the corner again, and expend what energy is left in my legs as Justin from MK glides past me to finish just in front.
As we all reach the finish line, we are greeted by Abigail and Esmeralda who are both volunteering for the first time. They are very enthusiastic. I think every parkrun has that character whose enthusiasm is infectious! The local cheer squad manage to get the 81 finishers over the line, most with at least some form of grimace on their face but also a measure of achievement knowing that they have completed.
During this run, I questioned myself why I was doing this whilst on ‘holiday.’ The answer is simple, I love a challenge and parkruns do not come more challenging than this. If you search on Google you will see that for yourself! Would I recommend you do it? 100%. Will I do it again? If you’d asked me around 9.30am on Saturday you may have got a different answer but it is a great experience and I will certainly be back. The experience is added to by a great team of volunteers who are fully supportive.
This is a great parkrun. Word has it that it adds 15-20% onto your time you would normally do but the scenery and organisation is exceptional. Yes it is a challenge but one worth taking on. I fully recommend you have a go!
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