My 14 year old son at parkrun

My son Nat who's now 14years old, started running when he was in the last year at junor school, when they entered him into a schools Xcountry race. Although he didn't win, he ran really well and from that moment on he decided he liked running, enough to join a club.

He then joined Longwood Harriers where he has run xcountry during winter months and on track in summer, mainly 1500m and field events of shot and discus. He during a summer track season found his niche in the longer distances. Whilst he had gained much experience from his clubs training and events, it was finding Parkrun that really broke the mould.

He started off in July 2011 on his first ever Parkrun, and his first ever proper long distance run. He did really well and managed a time of about 26mins.

Since then he has gained much more experience. He now runs a time of 18mins20.

He feels the progression of his running owes a lot to Parkrun, as it has built his stamina, pacing and improved is time no end. But he also loves the fact it being free to attend, a timed event where you can watch your progress, the fun and socialising aspect that the directors bring as well as the volunteering responsibilities too. He has now done 49 Parkruns and enjoyed everyone including Burnley and St Albans and this weekend he will be doing his BIG 50th Parkrun as a JUNIOR. He doesn't know if he'll get yet another PB but he recons he'll give it a shot. And me, mum well I will enjoy cheering him on like you do and the others runners too.

Good luck on your 50th Parkrun Nat! And.... THANK YOU Huddersfield parkrun! x

Kimberley Stock