On a grey and slightly moody Monday evening, 8 Goodgym Islington Runners joined Area Activator Simon for an excellent group run to Elizabeth House Food Hub on Hurlock Street, Arsenal. Before setting off, we enjoyed a discussion about who was going to see the new blockbuster films, Barbie or Oppenheimer (or possibly both, but probably on different days...). We engaged on an active and dynamic warm up around the concourse of the Emirates Stadium (dodging skateboarder, tiny dogs and CrossFitters on route), and then ran up Highbury Hill and through the original Arsenal estate (a housing complex that still uses a lot of the original aesthetics of the stadium in its design). Local volunteer coordinator Roshni was on hand to welcome us all at Elizabeth House Food Hub.

Our objective for the evening was to deliver approximately 6-8 households worth of food and essential supplies to our Islington neighbours, all donated and allocated by businesses and supermarkets in the area. Many of the recipients are not physically able to pick these up in person (during the Summer holidays, or otherwise), so our contribution can make a huge difference!

As we completed the final deliveries of the day for the food hub team, our Goodgymmers assisted with the close down process as well. This involved cleaning, sanitising and wiping down all of the work surfaces at the centre, and putting away all of the chairs and tables ready for tomorrow. Luke and Patrick also helped with adding some of the over-ripe mangoes, nectarines and courgettes into a specific compost bin at the back of the hub. John, Louise and Michelle gave the whole hall a really solid sweep up to close out the night. We were also encouraged to take home as many nectarines and mangoes as possible, to limit any further food waste where possible!

As we made our way out of Elizabeth House, we spotted a free community outdoor gym, and decided to test it out for the benefit of "Move the Masses", an interactive map for fitness classes and equipment across the country. Expect a new submission very soon! A long climb up Highbury Hill to complete our workout before a steady slope back to Arsenal Stadium and to the community hub to complete a great group run. Well done everyone!

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Goodgym Islington News!

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Dartford Orienteers- Parkrace Series- Wick Woodland

Tuesday 25th July, 6.30-8.30pm, Lord Napier Star Pub, Hackney Wick

The London orienteering community have been setting up some really great events in different boroughs of the city- "localised" social challenges that are particularly good for new starters over summer. The series is concluding with a final event in Hackney Wick, and you are very welcome to give it a go!

Sign up in advance using the link below for either a long course (5km total distance for a perfect line) or a short course (2.5km), and a rental for a chip card for recording your times.

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/x

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Penn Road Gardens Open Morning (July)

Sunday 30th July, 10am-12 midday, Penn Road Gardens

An invitation to help this lovely community garden space near Caledonian Road over Summer. Often complimented with mugs of tea and coffee!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-july

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Orion Harriers Forest Five Summer Series: Race 3

Saturday 5th August, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Orion Harriers Club House, Chingford Come and join the Orion Harriers for this awesome and affordable trail race (concluding the Summer series in Epping Forest). 5 miles through fields and greenery (and friendly wildlife)- highly recommended!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/orion-harriers-forest-five-summer-series-race-3

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GROUP RUN- Elizabeth House Food Hub Helpers- and 4 years of AA Simon

Monday 7th August, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub

On Monday evening, we will be helping with deliveries to families and isolated individuals around the Islington borough for Elizabeth House- a super busy hub near Gillespie Road. https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/group-run-elizabeth-house-food-hub-summer-holiday-helpers-2

And afterwards we will be celebrating Area Activator Simon's 4 year anniversary as the leader for Goodgym Islington, with a trip to Someday Canteen in Finsbury Park.

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/post-group-run-social-august-someday-bar-finsbury-park-4-years-of-area-activator-simon

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GROUP RUN: Goodgym x The Running Works - Marvellous Morph Map!

Saturday 12th August, 5.30pm, The Running Works, Aldgate

A social run starting and ending at London's largest independent running shop, passing as many "Morphs" as possible! Aldgate Connect has set up a local art collection, featuring over 70 sculptures of the famous Aardman character, and we are planning on visiting as many as we can!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-x-the-running-works-marvellous-morph-map

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Goodgym x Jog On Recycling Clothes Swap and Group Run @ The Running Works

Saturday 23rd August, 6pm, The Running Works, Aldgate

Come join us for a social group run with Goodgym and The Running Works, in collaboration with Jog On and Athletic Brewing Company! We will be hosting a clothes swap and donation drive for running and athletics kit as well. A great night to be had! https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-x-jog-on-recycling-clothes-swap-and-group-run-the-running-works