Chris Heggs
The ‘big 6 – 0’ dominated the 4th running of the Totley Parkrun Challenge, which took place at Endcliffe Park.
Our very own Anne Hegarty ensured that there was a celebratory mood in the air from the very beginning, as she broke her parkrun challenge duck by combining her 60th birthday festivities with the event.
As you can imagine, there were numerous selfie opportunities and Anne took full advantage of them all.
When designing the Totley Parkrun challenge, the aim was always to achieve a balance that appealed to those with a competitive edge and to others who self-identify as social runners. So, the pre – race draw pairing of Caz Kay and Anne was always going to be of interest.
As it transpired, Anne was ably supported around the course by Caz and a helium filled balloon on a piece of string that was just long enough to impede Anne’s smooth-running style and anyone else that attempted to lumber past (as I can confirm).
I have no doubt that the occasion assisted in producing yet another record-breaking number of Totley participants with the final total being a suspiciously appropriate 60 (honestly, I didn’t even make it up!)
Weather conditions were changeable, but never unpleasant, with parts of the run being bathed in wonderful sunshine, whilst at other points, there was a persistent, but light drizzle in the air.
The course itself consists of a tarmacked section up through the park, the crossing of a narrow bridge, ideal for those in need of a breather, followed by a ‘trail light’ return to the start.
Results wise, another strong showing from Totley runners with Bart Shaw and Charlie Baker completing a 1 – 2 in the men’s standings, no doubt fuelled by the prospect of the post-race refreshments and prosecco.
Finally, for those of you who missed Matt Ridge’s live update video posted on the Totley AC Parkrun Challenge WhatsApp group, I can highly recommend it.
For the fifth challenge, we are heading to the beautiful grounds of the Sheffield Castle Park course on the 19th of August.
As this one coincides with the summer holidays, it might be an opportunity for those in contention for the overall points total to extend their leads, or for others to close the gap.
