3 GoodGymers ran 5k in the prescence of Running Royalty at the Ashton Court parkrun.

A cloudy but calm morning saw Melanie, Matt and Dave gather for a parkrun jaunt in almost perfect running conditions.

Amongst the 400 or so runners taking part was the Queen of Athens, double Olympic gold medal winner, Dame Kelly Holmes, who when introduced to the crowd, the course and the infamous Ashton Court hill was heard to exclaim "That's not a hill - it's a mountain!!". That said she then proceeded to make the course look ridiculously easy - we all know it's not! - before hanging around to chat and let everyone have their photo taken with her - what a star!

Melanie arrived bedecked in colourful parrot wings as part of a group of pirates there to celebrate with two runners achieving their 100th parkrun. They all seemed to be having great fun - some wonderful costumes and many haar haars!!

Matt was using the run as part of his Ultra training and ended up running a cool half marathon in the process - he said he was briefly tempted to give Dame Kelly a run for her money but her turn of speed once she'd reached the plateau was enough to deter him.

Dave was there for the view and enjoying a relaxed run (despite not being able to resist a sprint finish) before tomorrow's New Forest 10 race.

Action, lights and camera over it was over to the cafe for coffee and cake and enjoyment of the wonderful views across Bristol.

Well worth getting out of bed for!