This weekend we headed to Parc Coed Gwilym parkrun. On a weekly post asking where parkrun tourists were headed this weekend I saw that Peter was headed there to complete his South Wales region, so decided to join him!
Parc Coed Gwilym, B4603, Pontardawe Road, Clydach, SA6 5NS
Peter is the admin on a parkrun tourist group. Each week he does a challenge showing three photos of a location throughout the day, for us all to guess where he’s been. He had also completed his 500th parkrun the weekend before.
This, coupled with the fact it was an event 9 – the next event number I needed for my Wilson Index (see parkrun stats and challenges), was the reason we travelled such a long way.
It was possible as I wasn’t working this weekend. But did mean we had to leave a son behind. He could have taken himself to another parkrun, but opted not to.
Parc Coed Gwilym parkrun Facilities
There is a carpark at Parc Coed Gwilym parkrun but luckily we saw the hi-vis jacket at the over flow carpark first. Peter and his family were just leaving and had informed her that the usual carpark was full! This was at 8:30!
There is plenty of space in the overflow and lots of clear signs to get to the parkrun. Plus there is the option to use street parking.
Once there we also discovered two blocks with toilets – one in the cafe and the other right by the start.
Parc Coed Gwilym parkrun Course
The course at Parc Coed Gwilym parkrun was very well explained. Including which side you need to be on, and the side you need to overtake.
It is two laps around the field (keeping right), followed by an out and back along the canal (keeping left). Next there’s another two laps of the original field (again keeping right). Finally splitting off towards the entrance to the park a short way to finish.
The whole route is on path, so no need for trail shoes.
It was quite difficult to go around people as it was busy around the field and obviously people in both directions by the canal.
It’s beautiful by the canal – do look out for the wood carvings!
My Experience of Parc Coed Gwilym parkrun
The Volunteers
Honestly I forgot that this parkrun was very early days, it was so well run. Obviously it was like all the other parkruns we have done in South Wales in that it was really friendly. Thank you to the 20 hi-vis heroes.
The run briefs were very clear informative. The main briefing used humour for things we hear every week. People were quiet and respectful.
Not only was I congratulated on a strong finish, but also someone else on the team asked me if I had enjoyed my parkrun. Thank you to all the volunteers who made it possible.
The Run
As I say it was rather busy and I was concerned that our youngest was running behind me. Eventually he went around me but just stayed in front of me. Although the start was slower than usual I thought I’d just keep running and stay with him. It’s been a while since I didn’t stop and walk.
Managing to keep up, even if my breathing was bad, at 4km he started to get faster. In fact he ran the last km in less than 4 1/2 minutes. If I had believed I could keep up with him then I’d have got a PB. As it was I gave up and walked a bit.
Of course I was also going to sprint finish but as we neared the end of the field I did hear someone speeding up, like they were going to go round me!
Happy with my 27 minutes and I’m assuming they were the person finishing 4 seconds behind me.
Stats
124 participants, 70 males and 54 females. With times varying between 18:05-1:01:45.
5 people doing their very first parkrun and 60 tourists.
73 sub 30.
First lady was actually in the JW11-14 category in a time of 23:04.
A lady also secured the highest age grading with 77.40% in a time of 26:11 (VW60-64).
Despite me having an age grading of 60% I was third in my age category.
We have also visited at Cycle Route 43, Ystalyfera parkrun 5.6m away
See also Mum of Three World who also writes about parkrun.