Park Run Event at Vicar Water Country Park Sees 97 Finishers
The park run at Vicar Water Country Park has seen a significant increase in participation, with 97 finishers recorded at Event #60 on March 21, 2026. Previously, expectations were modest, with local runs typically attracting fewer than 80 participants. This latest event not only surpassed that number but also showcased an enthusiastic community spirit.
The decisive moment came with the inclusion of a challenging course featuring a notable hill, The Clippomanjaro Climb, which added an extra layer of difficulty. Participants completed two laps on a trail that included mixed terrain, making it a unique experience for runners.
Among the 97 finishers, 53 were male and 43 were female, indicating a balanced participation across genders. The first finisher completed the run in an impressive time of 20 minutes and 18 seconds, while the Tail Walker finished in 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 14 seconds. Additionally, 12 participants achieved personal bests, demonstrating the competitive spirit of the event.
Volunteer support was robust, with 22 individuals assisting in various capacities, including marshaling and setting up the course. Notably, 9 participants took on dual roles as both runners and volunteers, further enhancing the community aspect of the event.
Paul Atkinson, a participant, remarked on the course’s beauty, stating, “I’m sure this hill must get mentioned in every run report – but is so spectacular it deserves another mention!” He also noted the mixed terrain and the friendly atmosphere, which contributed to the overall enjoyment of the event.
Despite overcast weather conditions, the event maintained a positive vibe, with Atkinson highlighting the views from the marshal’s location as lovely, even if obscured by clouds. This suggests that the park run is not just about competition but also about enjoying the natural surroundings.
The course’s historical significance, tracing an old railway line associated with the former Clipstone Colliery, adds an interesting layer to the event, connecting participants to the local heritage.
As park runs continue to gain traction, the success of this event at Vicar Water Country Park reflects a growing trend in community fitness initiatives. The combination of a challenging course, supportive volunteers, and enthusiastic participants is likely to encourage even more runners to join future events.
With 52 first-time participants, the park run is clearly reaching new audiences, and the excitement surrounding these events is palpable. The community’s response indicates a promising future for park runs in the area.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding plans for future events, but the positive feedback suggests that the park run will remain a staple in the local running calendar.