We want to invite as many fans as possible to join us, whether participating in the run or cheering others along, and show them the spirit of Marillion fandom. We want people to turn up in their Marillion t-shirts (or, depending on the weather, hoodies!) and show their support for your fellow fans while having a great time.The run is three laps of Victoria Park totalling 5 km: CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.
What is Parkrun?
Parkrun organises free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, regardless of ability, are free, and safe and easy to take part in. There are over 500 events in the UK alone.
I’m not sure it’s for people like me...
Parkrun couldn’t be more for people like you if it tried. Don’t believe us? Check this out: CLICK HERE.
How fast do I have to be?
Parkrunners run for their own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace. There are plenty of people that jog or walk Parkrun, and no one will be anything other than supportive of the fact you’ve come out and given it a go. However, please ensure that you’re fit to safely complete the 5k (3.1 miles) by running, jogging or walking before taking part.
The first person across the line is the ‘first finisher’ not the winner and you’ll never be last because there’s a tail-walker that has the job of being the final person over the line.
If anything comes close to the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere of a Marillion gig, then it’s Parkrun!
Even if you don’t want to do the course, you can still participate by volunteering to marshal or set up the course or a number of other jobs; experienced Parkrun volunteers will provide you with all the advice and guidance you’d need - CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
And of course there’s nothing to stop you just turning up and supporting your fellow fans and Parkrunners with a wave and a cheer – it really means a lot!
Can I do something to get in practice?
Yes, absolutely! Probably the best thing you can do is a Couch to 5K programme. These take you from being a complete beginner, incapable of running five yards, to running a full 5 kilometers by getting you running ever increasing distances interspersed with walking via three weekly sessions. The whole programme typically takes about nine or ten weeks, so you’d need to start by the week commencing 11th February 2019 at the latest to be up to the distance by the Weekend.
The BBC’s Get Inspired has teamed up with Public Health England's One You campaign to produce a free Couch to 5K smartphone app which allows you to get advice and guidance from the celebrity of your choice as you run (they’ll tell you when to start running, when to stop and walk for a bit). Other Couch to 5K apps are available for both Apple and Android.
What kit do I need?
If you’ve got trainers, you can do Parkrun. If you have gym or running kit, great, but people can run in whatever makes them comfortable. Just try and be appropriate for the weather conditions!
How does a Parkrun work?
You must register in advance. You cannot turn up on the day and register.
Simply visit https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/form/ and enter your details. The information requested is to enable Parkrun to register you and contact you with your result. They will also provide you with statistics that compare your performance to others of the same age grouping and gender.
When you register, you will receive a link to a page with a set of barcodes. You need to print these out and bring them with you – some people like to laminate them or you can buy wristbands with the barcodes printed on them. If you don’t bring them, you will not be able to get an official time for your Parkrun!
You turn up at the course at Victoria Park before the run starts – we’d recommend arriving between quarter to half an hour before – where there will be a short briefing for new runners to the course. This will tell you everything you need to know about the course. Then it’s the run itself. Some people will be looking to achieve their fastest time, some will want to get a bit of exercise and natter to their mates and for some just finishing will be a magnificent achievement – do what’s right for you.
When you finish, there will be a marked out ‘finishing cone’, where a timer will register when you cross the line and then you’ll be handed a small token which relates to your finishing position. You hand this and your barcode to a scanner, who will scan them then hand back your barcode.
Then all you have to do is get your breath back and grab a post-run beverage in the David Wilson Library, Leicester University campus, which opens at 9am.
After that, just wait for the organisers to compile the results, which will be emailed or sent by text message to you a few hours later.
Now you’re registered, so there’s nothing to stop you doing your next one. And your next one... and your next one...
Links:
- Leicester Victoria Parkrun - CLICK HERE
- Leicester Victoria Parkrun Facebook - CLICK HERE
- Course Details - CLICK HERE
- How To Register - CLICK HERE
- Parkrun Support - CLICK HERE
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