Ian completes 100th Glasgow parkrun

Written by Fiona November 30 2012 —

Ian Goudie, a running friend on Facebook, recently earned his 100th Glasgow parkruns t-shirt. Parkruns is a fast-growing phenomenon and Ian has been with the Glasgow parkrun since its first run in 2008. He tells us about his progression from the early days of 2008.

Ian writes: On Saturday 13 December 2008 I wasn’t feeling very well but I decided to use the Glasgow parkrun as motivation to get out there and run. It was Glasgow’s second parkrun and there were only 24 of us but the atmosphere was great and I managed to complete the undulating 5k course in a time of 25:19.

I returned seven days later and, feeling a lot better, I finished in a time of 22:40. Only 22 of us ran on that day and there must have been some concerns as to whether or not there would be sufficient support to sustain a 5k event every week of the year.

However, as the weather improved and word got out, the people of Glasgow, and further afield, warmed to the event and when I returned on February 7, 2009, numbers had swelled to 77. Since then I’ve been a semi-regular at Glasgow parkrun.

Being a club runner with Bellahouston, I race in other events throughout the year, ranging from 3k to full marathons but when I can I make it along to Pollok Park for the 9:30am start on Saturday mornings I do.

I’ve actually participated in more than half of all the Glasgow park runs and on Saturday November 17, 2012, I chalked up my 100th Glasgow parkrun. Doing the sums, this means I’ve raced around Pollok Park for a total of 500k (almost 12 marathons) and all for free. The numbers have escalated since the early days and have peaked at an amazing 479 runners. The average turn out each Saturday is 248.

I’d been looking forward to my century of Glasgow parkruns for quite a while but holidays, the cross-country season and charity runs had delayed my 100th outing until the 17th. I was greeted by “It’s a Big Day for you” and “Happy Hundredth” when I arrived at Pollok Park for the 100th time. “It’s no big deal,” I replied, but I really did want to mark the occasion with a decent run. I’d donned my Bellahouston Harriers Club Vest to help motivate me but I thought that it just wasn’t going to be my day as many of the other 340 competitors sprinted off, leaving me well behind.

However, I did have the benefit of knowing the course slightly more than most. I have run it in snow, rain, sleet and sunshine. I knew where the hills were and where the good points are for overtaking. I also had the extra benefit of knowing the ability of many of my fellow runners. As the race progressed, I used all my experience and slowly worked my way up through the field, picking off one runner after another around the two lap course. As the last 200m approached I sprinted for the line with a Seasonal Best of 21:56. Not my best ever time on the course but decent enough and not too bad for my 100th outing.

I’ve made loads of friends along the way and have enjoyed racing against thousands of people during the last four years. The post race chat in the Burrell Café after our runs is great. My thanks to all of them and to the army of volunteers who make the event such an outstanding success week after week.

It’s been a long time since there were only 24 of us taking part and there’s no doubt that Glasgow parkrun will continue to go from strength to strength. Now for my next hundred….

What is Glasgow parkrun?

It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.

When is it?

Every Saturday at 9:30am.

Where is it?

It’s run in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow. See Course page for more details.

What does it cost to join in?

Nothing – it’s free. But please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode.