More than 150 runners - some of whom were dressed in tuxedos, tutus, feather boas and bow ties - turned up in the rain to celebrate Daventry parkrun’s first anniversary last Saturday.
Carrying the theme of ‘black tie’, the event was the 53rd parkrun to take place in the town - and despite very wet and muddy conditions, 154 hardy runners took to the course and 19 volunteers gave up their morning to help out.
Before the 5km run, certificates were given out to those who topped the points tables this year - James Balloch, Emma Williams, Tom Mullaney and Rachel Sullivan - and to the event’s volunteer of the year, Lydia Moser.
In their event report, the race directors said: “It was very muddy out there, which probably caused the shortage of personal bests. Traction was pretty hard to come by and we’re now back to runners coming over the line liberally plastered in mud.
“It was lovely to have so many of you join us for the post-run coffee at Leisure Lakes Bikes, with some spectacular cake offerings for your enjoyment. The Guiness and chocolate cake went extremely fast.”
Coming in at first place on the day was Benjamin Hyams, with Adam Newman’s second and Ant Rosevear third. Victoria Nealon was the first woman over the line, with Jeanette Towning in second place and Georgia Beazley-Long in third.
Of the 154 runners, 20 were taking part in their first Daventry parkrun and eight in their first parkrun ever.
Since the first Daventry parkrun on November 8 2014, 1,665 runners have completed 7,395 runs covering a total distance of 36,975 km.