Flying start for Thorpe’s new parkrun

Thorpe’s inaugural Fitzmaurice Park parkrun got off to a flying start with a helping hand from local MP Alice Macdonald and a team of volunteers.

After an early start, the core team of eight set out the course on a fine but cold spring morning. Extra volunteers turned up at 8.15am making a total of 42 on the day.

After an introduction by the Run Director, Dale Wiseman, Norwich North MP Alice Macdonald cut the ribbon to acknowledge the event.

She carried out the countdown to 9am and on her call an excited crowd burst from the start line. By the 17-minute mark the first runners were heading towards the finish funnel. First runner to complete the course, comprising a mix of grass, permanent paths and trail paths was George Bowen in 17:10 – 37 seconds ahead of Art Tonge.

By 10am a total of 349 participants had been counted back and given a 5k time.

“This was a very successful morning and all the volunteers played their part. We now look forward to putting on this kind of morning on a weekly basis,” said Dale.

The Fitzmaurice Park parkrun idea was floated last May by experienced parkrunners and Dussindale residents Calix Eden and Sean Magarey. This idea was presented to Thorpe Town Council as a possibility by Calix and fellow town councillor Dale, who has many years of experience in local sport.

The idea was to provide a sporting activity and to make good use of a large green space on the edge of the Dussindale estate. Thorpe Town Council have granted permission for the land use and have been very supportive of the project. Broadland Council have funded the start-up costs to provide the parkrun kit.

The parkrun team consists of an Ambassador Dan Goodwin, supported by Ian Edwards, and two Event Directors, Calix Eden and Dale Wiseman, supported by seven Run Directors. Two of the Run Directors Katya and Sean, supported by other core members, spent many months measuring and mapping the wonderful course area now in place. The set-up is supported by a list of volunteers from Thorpe and outlying areas.

 Three trial events took place including one on Sunday, March 16, attended by 135 runners and walkers.

“We are confident that this will be a successful community hub and meeting place as has happened on many of the Norwich area parkruns including Brundall, Catton, Colney and many others,” said Dale.

“We would like to thank all the many Norwich parkrun teams that have helped us along the way and we do hope that our event adds to the parkrun family in Norfolk.

“One of the ambitions of this community event is develop a local facility that encourages local people to cycle and walk to the venue thereby cutting back on the need to travel by car to another venue.”

Parkrun is open to all ages and abilities. The 5km course can be walked, jogged, or run and offers a great opportunity to volunteer or spectate.

The event happens every Saturday morning at 9am depending on availability and condition of Fitzmaurice Park.

For more information, visit the main parkrun website or contact the team at Fitzmaurice Park on fitzmaurice@parkrun.com