Record turnout crowns 250th Havant parkrun in style

A fantastic record turnout of 366 people helped create a brilliant occasion for the 250th Havant parkrun on Saturday.
Havant parkrun takes place every Saturday at Staunton Country ParkHavant parkrun takes place every Saturday at Staunton Country Park
Havant parkrun takes place every Saturday at Staunton Country Park

When the parkrun started back in June 2012 it was the first in this area, with the previous closest being Eastleigh.

The success of the event at Staunton Country Park has helped the community to grow.

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Lots of regulars were there on Saturday to celebrate 250 editions of the parkrun.

The Havant volunteer team also welcomed 31 first timers, and 69 personal bests were achieved.

Havant event director Dave Williams said: ‘Thanks everyone for coming along and joining in the fun, it was really great seeing so many friends there.

‘Congratulations to all the trophy winners for our final points competition, and congratulations to Julie Strutt on joining the 50 club this morning, and to Kim Amey, Lucy Cowlin, Sarah Burr and Susan Harris on joining the 100 club.

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‘Big big thanks to the volunteers who all handled the record numbers brilliantly.’

Simon Gill, of Tone Zone Runners, finished first on Saturday with a time of 17min 02sec.

Hannah Lowry finished first lady as she crossed the line in 21.59, with Hattie Locke second in 22.01.

There was a big turnout from Baffins Fitclub at the event on Saturday morning.

Alison Southwell said: ‘Thank you for your hospitality.

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‘The marshals are lovely. Baffins Fitclub enjoyed our trip up the A27.’

Dave Robbins, of Portsmouth Joggers, has been regularly involved with parkruns in the area for four years and really enjoys being part of the community.

Clearly his running was inspired on Saturday as he set a new personal best for Havant of 25.26.

He said: ‘Wow, what a fantastic morning.

‘At every turn was another friend, who I had met through running, the catalyst being Havant parkrun exactly four years ago for me.

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‘Huge thanks to the volunteers and the core team for creating such an awesome, friendly, supportive event.’

The run could not happen without the volunteers.

On Saturday Paul Jeffrey took on the role of marshal and enjoyed being able to shout encouragement to all the runners.

He said: ‘It was a blast marshalling at the bottom of the hill.

‘I highly recommend having a go at volunteering if you’ve not done so already, loads of fun to be had at Havant.’

The parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at Staunton Country Park (9am). For more details see parkrun.org.uk/havant/

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