Community / Bressay parkrun features in new book about the ‘friendliest 5k’
BRITAIN’s most northerly parkrun in Bressay has been named as one of the top ten parkruns in the country, according to a new book out today (Thursday).
Written by journalist and author Lucy Waterlow, The Ultimate Guide to parkrun: Everything You Need to Know About the Friendliest 5k in the World, the book delves into the origins of an event that has become an international phenomenon.
Since its launch in Bushy Park, London, almost exactly 20 years ago, parkrun has grown to 2,000 locations in 22 countries, including Bressay.
Every Saturday morning, come rain or shine, a hardy crop of anywhere between 10 and 80 runners gather at the Bressay ferry for the short trip across the sound.
The five kilometre race across the island conveniently finishes right next to the Speldiburn café.
Coming eighth in her list of best parkruns in the country, Waterlow said participating in the Bressay event had an element of adventure.
She writes: “This is the most northerly parkrun in the UK but is beaten in the world northerly rankings by a few in Scandinavia.
“As it is such a remote rural location with a population of 360, getting there is part of the adventure, and the event might be cancelled if the inter-island Saturday ferry isn’t running.
“The scenic out and back route is on public roads with views of the sea and unspoiltcountryside.
“The average attendance since the event launch in 2018 is 44, with an average finishing time of 32:04.”
Bressay event directors Mairi Thomson and Wendy Borrill said they were delighted have been ranked so highly.
“We get very positive feedback from our participants, who see us as an inclusive, friendly event,” they said.
“Newcomers to Shetland find coming along to parkrun is a great way to meet people and integrate into the community.
“We have had a busy summer with parkrun tourists from all over the world, visiting us. Our success is down to our brilliant volunteers who turn up every weekend, whatever the weather, to make sure we can go ahead. This includes the volunteers in Speldiburn Cafe, who provide amazing post-event refreshes.”
Top of the list is the Fountains Abbey parkrun in North Yorkshire, while the Bushy parkrun regularly attracts more than 1,000 runners.
Published by Canbury Press The Ultimate Guide to parkrun is available in paperback and eBook formats and priced £20.
