We attended Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun as another last minute plan. Work asked if I could start 5 hours early so a NENDY was again required. Again there happened to be a nearby parkrun which was also a prime number event I hadn’t already done!
Chippenham Playing Fields, Monmouth Sports ground, Blestium Street, Monmouth, NP25 3AF
Parking and Facilities
Parking was across the road (£2 for 2 hours).
Also toilets can be found in the Pavillion and after parkrun there are also refreshments – including free biscuits! Easy to find, right by the finish. Plus you run past it several times!
Inclusivity
Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun feels like a really inclusive event.
One of the first people to greet us was Syd Wheeler who explained that he was starting off early. Of course it is really lovely to see how inclusive a parkrun can really be. He liked this because it means he gets to be with the faster runners too.
Also I felt that everything was really clear. To where the toilets are, to how to go round the course and a very well-marked finish funnel. Plus, as mentioned, everyone was really friendly so it was easy to ask any questions you may have had.
Volunteers and Welcome at Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun
From the moment we arrived everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Thanks to the volunteers – they need at least 20 to put it on. But have a good core base so end up doubling up.
Thank you so much for letting me double up on the Run Report Volunteering.
The run briefing had lots of lovely shout outs and mentions – including a young man’s first parkrun where he doesn’t have to run with an adult!
Thank you to all 28 hi-vis heroes that made Chippenham Playing Field parkrun event 137 happen.
Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun Course
The route is one short lap and then three longer laps. Mostly on tarmac with small sections on grass or gravelled path. Going around the perimeter of Chippy Park (Chippenham Playing Fields) and Monmouth Sports Ground.
Mostly flat but each of the three loops having a cheeky bit that goes up and down. Extremely well sign posted and a nice clear long finish funnel.
The run director made it clear to be mindful of other park users and particularly narrow bits. To keep left and overtake on the right. Requesting that faster runners let people know they are coming too.
Our Experience of Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun
It was just myself and my husband attending attended Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun, as the boys were away camping. This event is definitely one I think we should return to with them!
Warm sunny day so a bit too hot for me so definitely would like to try again when it’s cooler.
PBs
Plus it is a lovely course for them to work even further on their PBs. Speaking of PBs I was really impressed with a young man in the age 11-14 category who finished in 19 minutes. He was really polite when I was saying what a great time it was – when really his parkrun PB is 16:32 minutes!!
My Own Run
Despite feeling like we weren’t too far from the front it was a very slow start. So much so that I really managed to mess with my music on my phone before I was able to even jog rather than walk.
Saying that I still did my first km I did 5:08. But by this point I could two males chatting just behind me like they were just on a walk! Clearly feeling the community spirit at this event. At this point I had to slow and let them pass.
Next a very young vegan runner pretty much skipped as she overtook me and mentally I was finding it hard.
The Walking
Managed to keep running until 4km where I walked a bit. My husband came up behind me and encouraged me on. Managed to run a bit more and at some point I walked again and he overtook me.
The Finish
Naturally I managed my sprint finish so was 9 seconds ahead of him in the results. The person in front of me thanked me after we had finished – as he then also sprinted to the end!
Overall I managed an average of 5:25/km pace so it wasn’t as bad as I though.
Stats at Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun Event 137
There were 166 participants at Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun event 137. Times ranging from 17:27-1:01:20.
There were:
- 8 first time to parkrun
- 31 tourists
- 19 PBs
- 8 sub 20
- 95 sub30
Over 60s
There were 30 runners over 60. 8 of which finished in sub 30. Making up just under 8 ½ % of sub 30 runners.
Males
Consisting of 14 males over 60, 6 of whom finished sub 30. That is just under 43% of males under 60 finishing sub30. Making up just under 9 ½% of sub 30 runners.
- 6 VM60-64 – 4 sub 30
- 3 VM65-69 – 1 sub 30
- 4 VM70-74 – 1 sub 30
- 1 VM85-89
Females
Plus there were 16 females over 60, 2 of whom finished sub 30. That is 12 ½% of females over 60 finishing in sub 30. Making up just over 2% of the sub 30 runners.
- 11 VW60-64 – 1 sub 30
- 3 VW65-69 – 1 sub 30
- 2 VW75-79
Other nearby parkruns that we have done:
Forest of Dean (4.8m), Mallards Pike (8.3m), Ross-on-Wye (9m), Lydney (10.1m), Berkeley Green (12.4m), Severn Bridge (13.2m), Pontypool (15.3m), Newent (15.5m), Rogiet (15.7m).
For more parkrun reviews visit Mum of Three World