Rain can't dampen spirits at Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun

THE heavens opened in spectacular fashion for the 17th Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun.
Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun takes place every Saturday come rain or shinePortsmouth Lakeside parkrun takes place every Saturday come rain or shine
Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun takes place every Saturday come rain or shine

A total of 121 parkrunners braved the difficult conditions.

Southsea parkrun regular Daniel Del Piccolo made his first trip to Portsmouth Lakeside and finished in fourth place.

It was his 47th parkrun in total and despite the rain he enjoyed the event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: ‘I had an excellent time, thanks to all the volunteers.

‘It’s a great location for a parkrun – the area around is ideal for running.

‘Not only were there open shops on site, but there is also a Starbucks.

‘The area is quiet and scenic with a lake and plenty of greenery.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The weather was looking okay before the start with a slight threat from some clouds.

‘Before we got going I had a quick chat with fellow runners Julian Manning, Pete Birch and Adam Barlow.

‘And then managed to have a quick hello to another runner Del Roberts as we got ready to start.

‘After a warm welcome and good briefing, we were off.

‘The route itself was lovely, starting east past the lake towards the Porsche garage and under the main road before turning around to head back for a bit of the path by the lake.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘There were high fives and some verbal encouragement as runners passed each other on the paths.

‘Then all of a sudden as we hit the lake to begin running around it, in truly epic style, the heavens opened and it began to absolutely pour down.

‘With the strong wind as well, we were all drenched within a minute – runners and volunteers alike.

‘Before long we were heading back towards the Porsche garage again and I remember seeing a very young junior runner with the tail runner which was very inspiring.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I gave them both a shout out as they were doing really well in the conditions, and then put my head down to continue on to the finish.

‘A huge well done to Julian Manning who was first finisher.

‘He was then followed by Adam Barlow in second with a new personal best, and Adam Whitmee who came in third with a new PB too.

‘Mark Jones who came in fifth place also got himself a PB, and there were 17 other new bests.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘And a well done to all 121 runners who managed to get through the wind and rain.

‘A big shout out to the volunteers as well because they definitely earned it too!

‘I will definitely be back to visit Lakeside parkrun again soon as I thoroughly enjoyed the morning run.’

Tourist Abby Kean, from Bath, also enjoyed her trip to Portsmouth as well despite the epic rain.

For more details about Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun log on to parkrun.org.uk/portsmouthlakeside/