Unstoppable Crusaders bring plenty of cheer to Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun

It was volunteer takeover day for the Fareham Crusaders club as they gathered in force at Lee parkrun on Saturday.
Fareham Crusaders' Andrew, Theo and Esther Leonard at Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun. Picture: Peter StoddardFareham Crusaders' Andrew, Theo and Esther Leonard at Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun. Picture: Peter Stoddard
Fareham Crusaders' Andrew, Theo and Esther Leonard at Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun. Picture: Peter Stoddard

Tracey Morrison was run report writer and she relished being back in the parkrun fold.

She said: ‘When I arrived I was greeted by parkrun marshals as well as many Fareham Crusaders members with their unstoppable kit on.

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‘It was great to see everyone because these days I don’t make it to club, due to my younger son joining Portsmouth Athletics Club, but I do get to catch up at some races.

‘The views down at Lee are spectacular in any weather.

‘Soon it was time to learn a new role at the parkrun, the new runners briefing, and thankfully the amazing Paula Williams, who ran every day in 2016, was there to support me.’

Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun regular Emma Noyce was celebrating her 40th birthday and was given a shout out as Fareham Crusaders club captain Aaron Sutton did the run briefing before the start.

When the event was up and running it again highlighted the support and encouragement everyone is given at parkrun events.

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Morrison added: ‘I decided to run because I have not done a parkrun for some time and have now realised what I have been missing.

‘The sea of smiling faces, volunteers, and runners, shouting words of encouragement, a happy looking dog, children and even a few babies in buggies all together first thing in the morning.

‘It was fabulous to see many people of different ages out giving this a whirl.

‘After I finished I then joined in cheering runners approaching the finish line.

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‘I used to volunteer at a local junior parkrun and I miss the high fives so it gives me an opportunity to get a few in again.

‘To all of you, keep it going, no matter what level of fitness you are at and watch yourself improve, be proud.

‘Thanks to the great volunteers. To all the runners, if you have a spare moment sign up and be a volunteer when you can, it’s just as rewarding.’

Lee had 383 runners on Saturday and Lewis Banner finished first with a quick time of 16min 50sec.

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Rikki James finished second and got a course best of 17.26, only five seconds outside his parkrun PB set at Fulham Palace the weekend before.

Luke Willis beat his course PB to finish third in 18.10, the exact same time he recorded a week earlier at Northala Fields parkrun in London.

Susie MacGregor finished first lady with a time of 19.55 and Alethea Adair-Stantiall was next with a time of 20.47.

Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun takes place every Saturday at Marine Parade East, PO13 9LB (9am).

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