Vegan Runners Target the Coventry Park Run, 6 April

Regulars Paul Stimpson (running his 64th park run) and Simon Grogan (42nd) were joined by Peter Simpson (his 1st here) and Hazel Beasley (5th) on another cold but sunny morning at the venue in War Memorial Park. It was again cold enough for Peter to decide to wear the vegan runners jacket. The route had to be changed due to the path works and the new route was an out and back course, giving runners the opportunity to see at close quarters the runners ahead and behind.

Warming up, Peter felt a new injury above the right knee possibly caused by the rush to get to the Milton Keynes rail station on a fold-up bike. He was determined to run the course as he had little time to think about it.

Simon Grogan has been running some sub-20 minute times over the past year and generally was on good form and similarly Paul Stimpson who has run sub-21. Hazel did not manage to meet Simon & Paul last time. They all met up by the start with Simon & Paul confidently lining up at the head of the field.

The course was a fast start, gently downhill on a wide path and generally undulating to the turning point. Simon justifying his front row start was already a long way ahead of Peter at halfway with Paul under a minute ahead of Peter and Hazel further back. The undulating course was certainly proving to be a challenge for the fast runners. The last kilometre seemed to be more uphill otherwise Peter continued to move up the field in the 2nd half of the course after a slowish start and the injury not causing to much of an issue.

Simon was surprised by his 9th position considering his time of 20.19, Paul finished 43rd in 22.32, Peter 62nd in approx 23.20 (forgetting his barcode) and Hazel 192nd in 28.22. A day or so later Maria Ingham joined our Facebook group and commented that she runs the Coventry Park Run regularly, her 6th this year.

After the run they regrouped inside the park cafe adjacent to the start/finish. The menu was encouraging for vegans with provision for vegan breakfast, sandwiches and soya for drinks and good quality at a reasonable price. Peter is looking forward to returning sometime in the future however it was not a cheap rail trip from Milton Keynes despite the special discount. Hazel traveled on the train from Nuneaton.

Some of the local runners may meet-up for the Rugby 6 miles road race on 15 May, an evening event at 7.45pm, the 2nd event in the East Midlands Grand Prix Series.