Kay and Michelle had quite a different start to Saturday morning when they joined Chippenham's Parkrun in Monkton Park for a 5 kilometre route covering both the park and Baydon's Meadow. Walkers have always been welcome at Parkrun, but it was decided a more inclusive campaign was needed to highlight that running isn't a pre-requisite to taking part.
The Parkwalk campaign has been running for the whole of October with a new volunteer activity - the Parkwalker - also launched to ensure walkers are welcomed and looked after during their walk. Val and Adam were the designated Parkwalkers on Saturday and looked after us very well. A total of 179 people - mainly runners - took part on Saturday, many of whom were in fancy dress to mark Hallowe'en. It made for a fun and friendly event drawing from a wide cross-section of partakers of all ages from Chippenham and beyond. It seems Parkrun tourism is a thing!
As well as Kay and Michelle, Jenny - who came to try out the Belles at Thursday's meeting - was also there with her family, so there was a chance for a friendly chat with her before we set off.
It was an enjoyable start to the day, despite the onset of the famed winter mud on the course in Baydon's Meadow!