Step into Christmas – well as we officially entered the festive season of Christmas, a grand total of 183 people gathered on a totally grey and cold Berlin morning to run, jog or walk Saturday`s parkrun.
Representatives of 26 different clubs took part, emphasizing yet again the attraction of parkrun located in one of Europe`s favourite weekend cities.
Although the number of local based runners was relatively small this week, we wish to not only salute them but also state our gratitude – reminding the many visiting runners that without our local runners, there would be no parkrun in Berlin!
We always have a large ratio of visiting runners but this week it was swelled with a huge contingent from Ireland, bringing with them a vibrant almost party-like atmosphere.
Amongst them were 4 parkrun ambassadors.
As they were kind enough to give us a heads up regarding their arrival, we were well prepared and grateful to have a larger than normal team of volunteers.
Our volunteers, like all parkrun volunteers around the world are heroes who do a brilliant job.
I am happy to report that without exception their services are always acknowledged by visiting runners around the course.
Our volunteers this week were:
Stefan, Oisin, Emil, Jessamine, Sinead, Mandy, Steven, Toni, Kazuko, Helen, Susan, Achim, Aljoscha, Ivo, Maxie, Pauline, Elvira, Claudia and Jonathan
Finally, a mention of a few notable milestones:
Our very own Aljoscha celebrated his 25th time as a parkrun volunteer – very well done and congratulations to one of Hasenheide parkrun`s absolute stalwarts!
Sean Lynch was taking part in his 50th parkrun and this was heartily acknowledged by the Irish contingent who had prepared a superb certificate that I felt honored to be asked to present to him.
Doreen Moore celebrated her birthday the previous day – that must have made for an interesting flight out to Berlin!
Finally to mention John Robinson – who was celebrating his 70th birthday on the Saturday – fantastic inspiration to all parkrunners.
Just a heads-up to all parkrunners in Berlin or planning to visit, there will be a SPECIAL NEW YEARS DAY parkrun on 1st January, with a later start time of 10:00 am and as I will be RD – I`m looking forward to seeing many of you there!
- Steve.