This week, 2 GoodGymmers joined the London Fields volunteer squad, to make up a merry band of hi-vis heroes glinting in the bright sunshine!

Nicolas set up the course whilst Sooz got the start and finish line prepared, and put up the flag.

Three youth volunteers doing their Duke of Edinburgh award took the 28 kids (and their grown ups!) through the warm up and there was time to celebrate Kit’s half marathon achievement too.

Sooz took role of Run Director and Nicolas took up position under “Sarah’s tree”, and the kids were off.

There were 6 new personal best times today, helped by some supportive volunteers at marshal points from start to finish.

Another task well done.

Another glorious morning greeted us at the Fields today, and the clock change didn't seem to have caught anyone out, as we had 33 enthusiastic runners (plus their coaches/cheerleaders) and a full team of volunteers made up of GoodGymmers (Simon, Nicolas and Nick), DofE participants and a small group from On Running whom Simon had clearly persuaded that spending a Sunday morning volunteering at junior parkrun was the best decision they'd make all day.

After a well drilled warmup led by Run Director Mas, with a little help from one or two of the younger runners, everyone was keen to get going in the morning sunshine - a quick last minute course check and we were good to go. Simon, on timekeeping duty, counted down and before he'd got to "1" the field was already sprinting away from the line, leaving Nick (on tailwalking duty) with quite a task to catch up. It wasn't long before the lead runners were reaching the far ends of the course where Nicolas, positioned at what is known as "Sarah's Corner", was on marshalling duty and ready to cheer the runners as they passed him by.

It was a very close finish for the leading positions - only a second separated the first 3 as they all made a sprint for the line in the home straight - and not too long after that the final runners (chased by the tailwalking fox...) reached the finish funnel - 9 PBs were achieved on the course today, reflective of the great effort put in by all those who ran. A quick pack up of all the equipment, tokens sorted, hi viz all returned, and event #313 was complete. See you next week for more fun at the Fields!

With grey clouds starting to gather, everyone was keeping fingers crossed for a dry parkrun this morning!

Season regulars Sooz, Rue and Sarah were joined by Nicolas and surprise guest Louise, plus new-to-London Fields Luisa for a fast field of athletic prowess.

Luisa took to the tail, gaining an extra 2km having already run to the mission! Rue, Nicolas and Louise marshalled the first half of the course and Sarah set up under her usual tree.

Sooz was joined at the finish line by a field of volunteers doing their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering, and the course was complete.

A big round of applause for a half marathon milestone, followed by Rue’s usual haka warm up, and then they were off!

Wrapped up in half an hour and ready for morning coffee.

Great effort team, see you next time!

On another chilly Monday evening, ten dedicated GoodGymers gathered at the Tower Hamlets Community Transport base to support local youth organisation, Ocean Youth Connexions.

The group took on several important tasks this evening, including clearing the fence area, relocating soil, and painting two large containers as well as a balcony railing.

Our activity with Ocean Youth at the base over the last eight months have helped to enhance the premises by improving its outdoor area, thereby assisting the charities in maintaining a safe and functional environment for their administrative and training activities.

Clearing the fence area involved removing debris, ensuring the space became tidy and accessible, while relocating the soil required the team to shift large amounts of earth to designated areas.

Three teams headed to the painting tasks: tackling the two large containers required physical effort and plenty of precision. The GoodGymers, however, managed to ensure even coverage, while working in tight spaces at different heights. Painting the balcony railing also required a steady hand and careful technique to cover intricate metalwork…

It was after 8 when we decided to call it a night, Gathering brushes, overalls, paint trays and tools, we headed back into the building, to gather for our final picture.

Another great evening down in Limehouse.

A big well done to the whole team for getting so much done tonight.

Next week, it's back to Rocky Park!

Until then.