The sun was definitely out for event #322 at the Fields this morning, and it drew a large crowd of 38 runners (and encouragers), which gave run director Rue a chance to use his persuasion skills to rope in a few of the parents as extra hi viz volunteers. With the course set up, and tasks allocated, it was on to the customary announcements, and then Rue leading his Hackney Haka warm up.

And then they were off, and it wasn't too long before the front runners were heading down the finishing straight, where we saw a close finish as the first four were within 6 seconds of each other. Nick on finish tokens needed to be quick with the handing out...

Our last runner came across the line with a broad smile on her face, and after everyone had caught their breath, it was a quick pack up and we were done for another week - 5 first timers, of which for 3 this was their first ever parkrun, and 9 PBs, so another successful Sunday morning at the Fields!

Having failed to find him some mustard powder last week on the aisles of Lidl or his local Tesco, Mr T was delighted when I arrived this week with a small yellow tin in hand. With last week's list belatedly now completed we discussed this week's cross word ('intensively"...) and covered off a large chunk of the news stories of the week (both good and bad...), before I headed downstairs with trolley in tow.

The aisles were quiet, as was the checkout area (after my initial misgivings about Lidl's rearranged till area I'm starting to think maybe there was a bit of method to their madness), and so I was soon back with all the treasure (including a very large jar of Nescafe that hadn't made it to the original list), giving us time to discuss Liverpool FC, and his recent visitation by some Jehovah's Witnesses...not for the first time it proved to be an enlightening chat.