Annual Martian Race 👽

It was that time of the year again for the Woking Martian Race. It was not as hot as it has been previous years but still a very warm day. Today there were plenty of events going on with most GoodGym members either taking part in the race and volunteering as marshals.☀️

James unfortunately could not be at this years events as he was doing the Richmond 1OK and then straight after heading to Kingston for the Southern Athletics League event 🏃🏼‍♂️.

Wayne arrived at the event village early as he pulled out of the race due to not being 💯% so decided to volunteer as a marshal. Wayne had to be at the event for 07:30 for a safety briefing as well as picking up his high viz, instructions on how to get to his marshal spot as well as a goodie bag from the sponsors 😄. Wayne also helped some of the local vendors with setting up their stalls. Wayne was at checkpoint 29 which was quite close the event village and in the shaded woodland 🌳area of the common ☀️. Wayne had enough time to go and find his spot and come back to see his fellow goddgymers.

First to arrive was Annewith her beaming smile she was rearing to go, Annehas been getting her regular runs in the week in preparation for her tackling the 10k route 🏃‍♀️.

Next to arrive where the Jacksons. Katie & Phil had signed up to do the 10k and have been training really hard for it especially Katie. Shortly after Kirsty, Adam, & Alys arrived.

Alys was doing the 5k while Adam who is currently nursing an injury decided to do the 10k along with Kirsty who was running for the first time in Months after her injury they both decided to run together same as last year ❤️

Nadia & Andy arrived they were originally part of the cheering squad but decided to sign up t do the 5k which was great.It was fantastic to see so many local running clubs as well as local organisations that Woking GG have helped over the years. There was plenty of support for everyone from all over the course 😇

First to go were the kids who were doing 2k it was great to see many young faces from the junior park run that Woking GG have an active role.This was followed by the 21k, which was then followed by the 10k and finally the 5k.🏃🏼‍♂️

Wayne had to head off to his post which was checkpoint 27.The first GG Runner that Wayne saw was Nadia & Andy. Shortly after Phil came towards Wayne Phil got extra shouts of support as he is Wayne favourite 🤣. Wayne had to wait a while before he saw the next GG member and it was the lovely Katie always smiling and looking fresh as a daisy 💨.

There was another wait about 15mins before Wayne saw Alys all in Red, with her tutu and GG Cap laughing and smiling away 🏃‍♀️. In the distance Wayne saw a red shirt and it was Anne and went to see her but noticed that Anne had her hand wrapped up due to her falling a few times and cutting her palm as well a bruising her arm, but Anne being tough as old boots continued with her run (Superwomen)

Shortly after in the distance Wayne heard a familiar laugh it was Kirsty & Adamcome through the clearing in the tree’s, both of them doing incredibly well considering their injuries.🌎

It was now coming up to 3 hours and Karl the tail runner appeared with the final runner. We all ran back together and cheered the final runner across the finishing line.

Everyone did so well and once again plenty of money was raised for local charities 🏆

After the event some members headed home while a few headed into town for a well deserved lunch.😄

Fantastic work everyone see you all next year.

Woking junior parkrun – Event #308:

☀️ Woking junior parkrun #308 A sunny, dry morning brought perfect conditions for our young runners, and they delivered some fantastic performances!

🏃‍♂️ 100 boys took part, with the fastest finishing in an impressive 7:09.

🏃‍♀️ 90 girls joined the fun, with the quickest crossing the line in 7:20.

🎉 A whopping 94 personal bests were earned – great effort, juniors!

🙌 30 brilliant volunteers made the magic happen, including 6 GoodGym heroes: – James was up early for the course check 🦺 – Adam welcomed our first timers and cheered from the marshal point 👋 – Karen, Anne, and Phil kept everyone smiling on the course 🌟 – Katie kept her cool on the stopwatch ⏱️

Thanks to everyone who helped make it another special Sunday morning! 💙

This morning Adam, Katie and Phil made their way to Woking Park to volunteer with Junior Park Run.

The sun was shining and this meant a great turn out of children and their parents who either ran with them or cheered them on around the course.

In total 183 children made it through the finish funnel, with the fastest runner completing the course in 7:41.

It was a great morning seeing so many children being active and enjoying themselves.

Tonight we were back at Woking food bank at The Lighthouse, giving it a good old spring clean.

Anne, Karen & Laura ran from the Leisure Centre, whilst Katie, Phil, Julie and Alys made their own way to the task.

In less than half an hour, we had the place hoovered, mopped and organised! Many hands make light work as they say…

If you couldn’t join us today, there are two tasks available this Sunday - one indoors helping build a train set for All Aboard’s sessions for autistic, ADHD and SEN children, and another outdoor sowing wildflowers on Millmoor Common.

Heavy rain overnight and early morning meant conditions were likely to be wet but a little Junior Parkrun magic came along at just the right time and the skies were blue and sunny in time for our 65 young athletes to run the 2km course in Woking Park.

I met up with Rich, Phil, Ben and Rebekah for an early long run which finished in the park in time for us to run 1 lap as the course check. There were a few puddles but no serious hazards and we deemed the course safe for the children.

Adam walked to the park as he was sore from a s&c session yesterday. He kindly brought me a coffee which was much welcomed.

He also reprised what is becoming his regular role doing the First Timers Welcome. He was certainly needed as there were 6 first timers to welcome today.

Katie and Phil ran from Knaphill to marshal the course and keep the children safe while encouraging them along. Couples that parkrun together stay together.

James, Rich, Victoria and Other Rich were also marshals on course today. I was pleased with my spot as I was able to stand in the sunshine 🌞 the whole time.

The children did really well and there were 17 personal bests recorded.

Once tokens were sorted and everything packed away for next week, I headed into town with Adam and Rich for breakfast.

This Wednesday coming we will be laying woodchip in the wooded section of the park for the 5k runners. Do join us if you can as the course really needs it.