Fareham parkrun debut was perfect

The new event was a big success with 219 runners completing the 5k course and a great turnout of volunteers and supporters cheering them on.

Run director Salt was thrilled to see so many participants enjoy a fantastic occasion on Saturday.

She revealed the team of organisers could not have been more delighted with how it all went, especially with the sunshine timing it perfectly.

The course at Cams Hall Estate provides a different test to the other parkruns in the area.

It is run on a mixture of tarmac paths, trail paths and grass.

Salt was pleased with the way the runners coped with the challenge.

She said: ‘It was fantastic. We didn’t know what to expect before the day.

‘Five people could have turned up, or 500 people.

‘The way it turned out was great –it was 100-per-cent positive which is fantastic.

‘We know from parkrun that inaugural events do tend to attract higher numbers.

‘Our course is a different type of parkrun from the other local ones.

‘Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun has a wide path so it suits more people.

‘I have a number in mind I think we will settle on at Fareham.

‘The feedback from Saturday has been very good.

‘Because the course is narrow in places everyone was really courteous and looking out for other runners.

‘They took on board what we said at the run briefing.’

Lachlan Wellington set the new course record with a time of 16min 53sec.

The City of Portsmouth youngster is from Fareham and certainly didn’t find it tricky to negotiate a bit of mud and a few puddles along the way.

Salt added: ‘Lachlan set a cracking time.

‘I think that might stay as the course record for a little while.

‘Everyone enjoyed running and we had a really good spread of different times.’

Hedge End’s Karen Andrews was the first lady to finish (20.38).

Fareham Crusaders had a great turnout and the Cams Mill pub welcomed plenty of runners who went along to have breakfast, or tea or coffee afterwards.

Salt added: ‘We’re really pleased so many people went to the Cams Mill pub after. They have been so supportive of us.

‘In terms of volunteering it’s a case of the more the merrier.

‘The parkrun events are so inclusive – you can run, jog, walk or volunteer, there is something for everybody.’

Fareham parkrun is now on every Saturday, starting at 9am.

For more information about the event see the website parkrun.org.uk/fareham