BRCs annual parkrun outing and race series event number 4 for 2024 took us to Mid Ulster and the lovely village of Garvagh where 19 (and Betty) of us decided to take on Garvagh Forest parkrun. Brendan had proposed this event for this year but unfortunately like a river that don’t know where it’s flowing he took a wrong turn and just kept going further up the road to Croke park.
So we had Helen D and the Mini Ladies (Marie Louise, Carol and Fiona) who managed to drive through Garvagh completely (busy chittering no doubt and Maureen wasn’t even there!) where they had to turn back but thankfully made it back in time. We were honoured to have the BRC parkrun tourers (Des, Aaron, Paul and Tommy) there who made it in plenty of time and found the car park easily.
Also there the Robinsons, JP and KP, Rowena and Betty ,the ever present Jill and Donna, ever smiling Michelle and Amanda, a welcome to the race series for Ali and a wonderful welcome back to Gráinne.
Whilst it was a chilly morning for May we got a warm welcome from the team at Garvagh including the lovely volunteer Fiona (their words not ours) who looked kinda familiar. The Irish for Garvagh is Garbhach which translates to rough field but contrary to this we enjoyed the beautiful scenic route.
Afterwards and much deliberation we went for morning coffee/brekkie in the wonderfully named coffee thyme and I am not sure what the locals knew what hit them as BRC seem to be occupying the whole place but were made to feel welcome all round.
As far as the race itself well it was a Robinson double show with Callum finishing first and Liz coming through as First Lady. In fact we had a 1 (Liz), 2(Jill) 3(Amanda) finish in the ladies and with JP(4th) and Tommy (8th) overall 6 of the top 10 were from BRC.
So overall Jill leads the way with Donna in second and JP 3rd. Also watch out for Liz who has ran one less event but taken maximum points on all the other events entered. Full results and race update can be found on our series results page.
We also have a video of the event on our YouTube channel . Once again thanks to team at Garvagh for having us and making us feel welcome and would encourage anyone to try out this parkrun sometime. Next up is our track night on Thursday 20th June.
Oh yes our group picture is in front of the landmark pyramid which Brendan still hasn’t seen.
AH