Two years later than originally planned, 123 participants gathered for the inaugural running of the Parks Life on a dry and slightly chilly May evening.
Assisted by the good folk of the Blue Box Community Group, Belper Harriers and Run Forest, the race passed off without too much incident. Elisha De Mello led the field for 6 of the undulating 7 kilometers, taking in a lap of the old Deer Park, where the bluebells were still out in force, before heading out up to Bargate on the east side of Belper.
Unfortunately the leader took a wrong turn on the way back in, allowing local runners Jack Dakin and Yasmin Marks to take the Men’s and Women’s titles respectively and walk away with the most fantastic knitted trophies, created specially for the event by local wool wizard Jane.
Along with the post race cakes, the event raised over £800 for the Blue Box community group, Big thanks to all marshals, helpers and all the runners for making it a success.
Please come back next year.
