Parkrun update:
  • The Gazette article generated some interest and got some of you to join the party. Thank you.
  • I’m meeting two Parkrun ‘ambassadors’ at Bolberry Down this Saturday [28th September] at 12:30pm to ‘walk the course’ and discuss next steps.  These ambassadors are Devon representatives from Parkrun HQ who have experience of setting up Parkruns and are now our mentors. Please join us on Saturday if you can; we’ll probably head off to East Soar farm café afterwards to spread out paperwork and fire questions at them.
  • Funding: we need about £4000 in total (£3K which is the initial Parkrun set-up cost, and then another £1K for a portable AED (now compulsory), and then ‘nice to haves’ like a gazebo and table).  So far we have been promised half this amount from various sources. I’m giving a presentation at Salcombe Rotary next week to ask for funding and also have bids in with Kingsbridge Rotary and Teignbridge CVS.
  • Once funding is sorted then the Ambassadors give us training in all things Parkrun; course set-up, use of equipment, uploading results, H&S, etc
  • Prior to launch date we hold a ‘dummy run’ where invited folk come and run/walk, and we test the course and equipment.  Vital training so we’re ready for the masses on the first event!
  • Once we’ve meet the ambassadors this Saturday and I’ve heard more from potential funders, it would be good for us all to meet up one evening to plan next steps. I’ll be in touch soon with some dates.
  • Keep spreading the word to get more volunteers, participants and funders.
Cheers
Martin (martinlongley@hotmail.com)