Panshanger parkrun
Hertford, England
Panshanger is probaby the parkrun nearest to me now, but one I hadn’t been to since the very first, over 10 years ago. Even a targeted email inviting me, as an inaugural attendee, to the 10th anniversary hadn’t quite been enough to pull me in. But Christmas Day, specifically the chance to not drive too far on Christmas Day, was enough.
And there was the promise of mud!
That promise was duly fulfilled. So well, in fact, that the pictures don’t show the worst of it, because I was busy moving around people and staying upright. Just know that in winter, and/or after lots of rain, there’s a big muddy area not far from the start.
I chose to park at the old car park, East side of the park, and walk over. I seemed to be the only one taking the long route - it’s over a mile to walk - but it’s a pretty good way to start. That’s where the event used to start, but now it’s at the other end of the park, which has its own, larger, car park.
With over 500 people, the start was busy. That was exacerbated by the very muddy stretch just down the hill from the start point, which caused people to take to the sides looking for a drier area. With nice grippy shoes on I chose to go straight through the middle, where there was space, happily passing a few people on the way.
After that, it’s a one lap course, so nothing is repeated. I was thankful for that while making an effort up a hill which the contour lines on the map show. It’s not actually that hilly a course, but it’s not ‘easy’ either.
It’s a great route, and one I plan to come back to more regularly. Though given I’ve been twice in 11 years, going once more in the next ten will technically fulfil that.
Results from Panshanger parkrun #578, 25/12/24; 578 finishers