On a perfect Saturday morning, the 298th edition of Hogmoor Inclosure parkrun saw 255 participants gather, enjoying ideal conditions of sunshine, light breezes, and flip-flop weather for some marshals.

Alton Runners took over all volunteer roles for the day’s event – 31 Alton Runners filled positions from run director to barcode scanner to marshal, offering an opportunity for the club to support the event and the community.

Run director Darren Mansfield provided the event briefing, while Alton Runners’ chairman Jim Armitage introduced the club and encouraged participants to find out more about the Alton ten-mile road race on Sunday, May 11.

The pacing team, provided by Alton Runners, was another key feature of the day. With pacers covering times from 22 to 36 minutes, 48 participants achieved a personal best.

Several milestones were celebrated. Nigel Downing completed his 25th parkrun, while Neil Hopkins and Ethan Armstrong both achieved their 50th. Armstrong, who ran with a 50-balloon attached to his back, achieved a personal best.

Ros Crawford completed her 450th parkrun, and Jenny French reached 100 volunteer credits.

At the front of the field, Rob Peters finished first in an impressive 17.56, while Wenjia Chen was the first female finisher in 23.39. Sara Rhimes and Andrew Lowton achieved the highest age-grade percentages of the day.

Mansfield said: “It was a fantastic parkrun, and one of my favourites as run director.

“I felt extremely proud looking across a sea of yellow t-shirts, knowing I was part of this incredible club.

“A gentleman came over to me after his run and thanked me for the fantastic experience.

“He was so pleased he’d chosen Hogmoor for his parkrun and had no idea Alton Runners were doing a takeover.

“He was impressed with how involved the club members were.”

By Lydia Andrews