Splashing time at Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun

All the heavy rain of the previous night had added to the fun around the lake with everyone getting wet feet.

Also the biggest puddle was under the subway. This almost made it like trying to go through the water jump in the steeplechase. It was like a mini river to get across.

It was the wettest the course has been for a while after the dry summer.

Certainly the wet weather over night hadn't impacted on the turnout with 240 people completing the parkrun.

They all enjoyed the event and splashing through the puddles seemed like a welcome addition for many of those taking part.

Lakeside does present a lovely course with some sections of tarmac to pick up speed and also the nice, scenic views around the lake when you hit the trails.

One of the best aspects of the run is the social nature of it. With various opportunities to cheer on friends and family along the way due to the out-and-back course ensuring you always get plenty of support.

The volunteers did a great job with run director Dean Crispin announcing a couple of milestones before the start and also ensuring everyone was in good spirits before setting the parkrun going.

Junior runner William Ewens received a big ovation. It was his 50th parkrun and he is in the junior-10 age group. He's done 16 of those at Lakeside.

Impressively he has also completed Waterlooville junior parkrun 134 times and has done 150 junior parkruns in total.

John Biddlecombe got a double cheer because it was his 50th parkrun and his birthday as well.

Neil Williams finished in first position on Saturday with a good new personal best time of 17.55.

Second was Patrick Stephenson who finished in the same time.

Jo Gilholm, of Victory, finished first lady in 22.23 with Louise Griffin second in 22.54 and Samantha Wood third in 22.58.

Among those taking part was Salisbury parkrun co-event director Jef Hutchby.

In his run report for Lakeside he said: '˜I love parkrun for so many reasons but the diversity of those taking part and how it means different things to different parkrunners is one of the best. A big thanks to all those who made Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun such a great away day for me.

'˜What a glorious morning. It was bright and clear with the course dusted in autumn leaves and the numerous puddles flashing silver under the sun. Excellent.'

Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am.