Many from Colchester Goodgym and GB bootcamp came together for a parkrun takeover.

With so many volunteers available to help, all roles were filled to ensure a safe and enjoyable parkrun for the local community.

We helped with setting up, timekeeping, barcode scanning, marshalling, cheering, packing up and any other role inbetween.

There was a great turnout with some recognisable faces running too, so naturally an extra cheer was given to anyone wearing their GG colours. Congratulations to Ella on completing her 50th parkrun today and getting a PB.

Well done to those who ran and a big thank you to all who volunteered, it takes volunteers like you taking their turn to help to keep community events like parkrun running each week.

Many community mission badges were earned today, but don't forget to get your DBS document checks completed so that you can earn more badges with local mission runs and coach running. It also means you help others by running to isolated and vulnerable older people within the community to help them with one-off tasks they are unable to do themselves or run regularly to a coach to reduce their feelings of loneliness and isolation, but the badges are a nice bonus, too! ;)

Go on, get your DBS checks done, you know you want to... think of the smiles on the faces of the people you could help .

Much love to everyone and their great efforts today,

Chrissie

*Yet another Goodgym evening full of energy and inspiration. *

Tonight we not only helped Next Chapter but also met Toby and Harriet who are organising a 400m race for young people with disabilities on the 4th of May at the University of Essex at 2.30pm.

We started with lots of news and congratulated Emily on her successful Ibiza Marathon with lots of hills as well as Hannah for her great run at Norwich Half Marathon. I reminded people of our upcoming Parkrun takeover on the 27th April with the volunteer roles disappearing fast.

After a moving warm up along the River the group set off on the 1.5 mile run to our destination and set about the task of removing overgrown weeds and grass, trimming and chopping trees and hedges and generally improving the area and increasing the visibility for staff. We found a few hidden gems such as a children's book, a little unicorn toy and a Woody from Toy Story toy.

We were told about the amazing work that Next Chapter do and how they help people before Toby and Harriet took centre stage to tell us about Wheeler Walk Way, their fund-raising and how Goodgymers can help through promoting the event and helping to volunteer.

Both Next Chapter and Toby (and Harriet) got a huge round of applause.

After a few photos we set off for a little bit of hill work. Sophie, Jade and Beth and Hannah particularly impressing with their efforts. The group paired off and ran a section of East Hill at 1/2 pace then 3/4 before sprinting in a final flourish. We weaved our magical footwork back to Leisure World where the group helped with some wonderful stretching.

Finally a giant Goodgym welcome to Sophie, Josh, Harriet and Toby. You are always welcome back.

Firstly a big welcome to Steph, Beth and Vicky with particular thanks to Steph for the use of her surname in the report title! Great to have you join us - Vicky looking fab in red.

We love helping the Foodbank and so the news and welcomes whizzed by. Races and charity events coming up as well as our big Parkrun takeover with GB Bootcamp.

The night had a nip in the air but the rain did not arrive. We warmed up on the move and took a lovely jog along the River Colne as the swans built their nests.

Once at the Foodbank Mike met us with the usual enthusiasm and tireless commitment to feeding families in crisis. It was time to clean and the team set about moving furniture, vacuuming the carpets, cleaning the bathroom, kitchen and importantly the food storage area was swept and mopped with style.

Mike told us about the work the Foodbank does as the busiest Foodbank in Essex. He also mentioned that they are fund-raising to be able to buy their own building to avoid rent costs.

After the applause and thanks we ran off back to Leisure World to Head, shoulders, knees and pegs. In a tense final Alex came out victorious. See social media for a clue as to what the game entailed.

Well done all and see you next week...or at a Parkrun somewhere!