This week was our 3rd and final session getting rid of Balsam at Fulford Ings, but before celebrating the finale of our Balsam bashing trilogy we had some serious celebrating of our own to do with plenty of epic achievements since our last outing. Firstly we had the tired legs crew who had conquered the Swaledale Marathon at the weekend - well done Barbara, Lucy and Amy (as well as several others who couldn't make it tonight) ⛰️. Then it was cheers to Mitch, who had been on the sauce on Saturday, winning the Beer Mile 🍺. Plus all our summer series runners who had put some serious effort in at the Knavesmire last Tuesday with a few PBs thrown in for good measure. Well done everyone 👏

After a quick warm up in honour of National Ballpoint Pen day, we headed off with Abigail and Pete brining up the rear and Amy leading our walking crew. We even had time for a few tricep dips in the sun as we went over Millenium Bridge. What a glorious evening this was going to be.... or so we thought 🤔

Things started well with the our intrepid GGers picking up where they'd left off last time and making good progress, uprooting Balsam left, right and centre. But before too long a figure emerged out from the bushes and took exception to our efforts. Obviously we can't please everyone with our Goodness, and Nicola from St Nicks handled the situation admirably, but the grey clouds had started to gather on tonight's task both figuratively and literally!

To placate the disgruntled resident, we focused our efforts further down the Ings and were soon back into our rhythm with Craig looking particularly pleased with the size of the Balsam he had pulled, whilst Leanne was starting to make a rather impressive pile!

But with time running out and the wind picking up, it was time to set off for a quick fitness sesh on Millenium Fields. We managed approximately 2mins worth of fitness before getting absolutely pelted by some seriously chunky hailstones and deciding to pack it in and hide under a tree. We understandably lost a few runners who beat a hasty retreat to the safety of their homes, before finally arriving back at CVS.