Episode 369 - When Paris met Harry

00:00:00[intro theme playing]

Welcome

00:00:04Melissa Ellis: We wish to advise that due to recent oversaturation, this episode will contain no mentions of a certain parkrun location that does not have a beach section. Used to, but does no longer. Just to be clear. We thank you for your understanding. Welcome to episode 369 of the parkrun adventurers Podcast, a podcast about life, if your life is all about parkrun. My name is Melissa Ellis and I'm coming to you from Wurundjeri Country.

00:00:15[intro theme playing]

00:00:58Oliver Spake: And I am Olly Spake and I'm joining from Dharawal Country.

00:01:02Melissa Ellis: I hope it's a lot cooler at Dharawal Country than it is here in Meltown because wow, we've got a heatwave down here.

00:01:09Oliver Spake: Yeah, I was chatting to my sister yesterday, Mel, and she said it was very hot and she was wishing she could go back to India. What? Where she was recently in the north of India. It was a very, very cool, I think it was minus two degrees.

00:01:23Melissa Ellis: Oh, wow. Yes, 37 here today. And so I've got the windows open because I absolutely could not shut up this little office for sound purposes and sweat my way through the recording. So the windows are open. We've got ambient noise. of the neighbours' cars and children and birds and stuff. Never mind.

00:01:46Oliver Spake: It's not a caravan park though, Mel. It's all up from here. Yeah, speaking of up, we've got a bit of an undulating podcast episode this week, would you say?

00:01:56Melissa Ellis: Oh, just a little bit. We're going to be covering a range of topics, which I'm sure wouldn't be news to the listeners.

00:02:04Oliver Spake: That's right. Yeah, none of it's news to the listeners whatsoever.

00:02:08Melissa Ellis: Well, some of it might be, actually. Let's lead straight into that. Let's rip off the Band-Aid, Ollie. Drop your bomb. Oh, wow.

00:02:16Oliver Spake: Yes, it was me editing the pod notes last week. Yep, there we are. You have it here. Couldn't resist. Fair credit to Inverloch for being close to the best beach in Australia.

00:02:29[crosstalk]

00:02:29Melissa Ellis: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:02:30Oliver Spake: We've had our disclaimer, don't shh.

00:02:35Melissa Ellis: There will be none of that tonight.

00:02:37Oliver Spake: Oh, yes, that's right. We're not saying the name. We're back to Voldemort parkrun. Yes. Mm-hmm.

00:02:43Melissa Ellis: No, the other news that you've got to tell the community. The other news.

00:02:47Oliver Spake: Yes. I do have some other news to share. And yeah, look, I'm not sure it's too much of a surprise. Oh, sorry. How do I put it? Yeah, I'm not sure it would have gone unnoticed that I have stepped away from time to time with some great support from yourself, especially, Mel, but the whole crew, the whole Level 2 crew. But yeah, I'm going to be stepping away a bit more substantially than that. And what that means is I will be stepping down in the not-so-distant future from being a regular host of this wonderful podcast and being connected in that way to this beautiful community. I have notes. They're scribbled all over paper, not post-it notes this time. But, yeah, true to style, it's completely illegible and all over the place. But, yeah. Yeah, I think with a couple of years we've had, it has been an incredible time, and I couldn't have imagined when you first invited me to give it a go, Mel. Coming from a person who basically has attended every single event at APALM, bar the first – sorry, bar option A of the first – Palm Friday Frio or Frito, depending on which pod host you ask. Yeah, I was the introvert. I was the quiet one sort of sitting away there. So when I was asked to host the pod, I think, you know, that was something that, yeah, something I was a little shocked at the idea of. But as I thought about it more and certainly as a long, long-time listener, I thought about it and I listened and I thought, yeah, I want what they're having.

00:04:37Melissa Ellis: Ollie!

00:04:39Oliver Spake: And, yeah, we'll get to that later, folks. But... But suffice to say, I think I could rattle off a whole lot of reasons why I love the pod, in particular, the community. And I know that in our time co-hosting with one another, Mel, and certainly more recently with our other regular co-hosts, Simon and TOC, and all of the other wonderful hosts that have stepped in, the pod has evolved. It's evolved from the pod that I fell in love with, with Scotty and Mel, and I've fallen in love with this pod. I've loved, in particular, how connected it's made me feel to the adventurer community. And for me, I think that that was a big, big plus when we took over during the COVID period, speaking to people around the world, whether it was through their experiences, their efforts, their inspirational stories. Or even just a bit of a connection with our notties and touching base and holding one another up as we needed. I think that gave me a huge boost and a motivation that's taken me up mountains. But the... I think the desire to adventure is still there. My list is longer than ever before. It's just the capacity isn't quite there. And, you know, I've got great reasons in having a busy, busy time with some adventures. very active young budding parkrunners. At least that's how I like to see them. But yeah, it is making that juggle just that little bit more difficult. And sadly, that means, yeah, I've just got to make a few adjustments. But hopefully I won't be too far.

00:06:28Melissa Ellis: No, and so I think we should let the listeners know that your plans are to finish up around the time of Palm. So we will still have you regularly up until Palm. Yes, up until one episode past Palm we'll still have you for. And the plan is, of course, for Simon and TOC to record more frequently, so they'll both do two episodes a month. And you're going to come back and guest host with me when there is a fifth Monday in the month.

00:06:55[background music]

00:07:04Oliver Spake: Yeah, call me the blue moon, the bench player.

00:07:08Melissa Ellis: So I think the Ferrari needs to get parked up.

00:07:13Oliver Spake: we're all in the minibus and we we got uber uber yeah uber pod that's it yeah uber pod uber pod it is but um look and and thank you for continuing to have me Mel and uh everyone listening I'm not sure you've got much of a choice except to just not listen when it's me but um but you As someone that doesn't necessarily want to step away from hosting, it's a decision I wouldn't take lightly and it's something I've been thinking about for a long time, going through obviously the ups and downs of life and trying to sort of find that magical balance that we all seek. But yeah, keep the stories up and I'm sure I'll get a chance to thank all the many, many names that I want to thank at some stage.

00:07:58Melissa Ellis: Oh, you can do a farewell to Ollie.

00:08:03Oliver Spake: Can I come to Toowoomba?

00:08:04Melissa Ellis: Oh, all right. You better be there.

00:08:09Oliver Spake: Yeah, I'm booked.

00:08:11Melissa Ellis: You know how I dread that live recording? We need you.

00:08:16Oliver Spake: No, that's fun. And even with how paranoid I feel in second-guessing and many, many more times second-guessing whether I've pressed the button. Yeah.

00:08:28Melissa Ellis: And we did decide not to go with the shock announcement. We have decided to come clean and let the listeners know that this is what's going to be happening and you're not going right now, but you're going to be going in a couple of months. And so that's a very deliberate decision to let you all know. And, yeah, that gives everybody the opportunity to write in and tell us how much you love Ollie.

00:08:53Oliver Spake: get some emails yeah one and a half maybe yeah um yeah but Mel I think yeah as we said uh there there are a few things to get through in this week's pod and pretty importantly is um how was your parkrun day

00:09:13Melissa Ellis: Funny you should ask that. Oliver, you actually know how my parkrun day was because I was in your neck of the woods. I ventured up to North Wollongong parkrun. Now, I'm going to take a stab that is on Dharawal Country. I do love coming to an area where I see the traditional name and I know it. I feel very pleased when I know the traditional name. Anyway, it was event 265, and it was indeed my 39th event in New South Wales. Pretty proud of that. I had the pleasure of Friday night dinner and a beach walk with the lovely Bec Bailey, who had tipped you off, Ollie, as to my visit, as I don't think I'd really told many people that I was coming until I announced it at the end of last week's episode, which you hadn't listened to probably yet. No, he's giving me wide eyes, everybody.

00:09:25[crosstalk]

00:10:06Oliver Spake: Eventually.

00:10:07Melissa Ellis: So it was much appreciated that you were able to join us at North Gong and run with me. And didn't we just get the best synchronised Zoomie shot?

00:10:17Oliver Spake: I liked it.

00:10:18Melissa Ellis: Quite apt.

00:10:19Oliver Spake: I think we pulled it off. Yep.

00:10:20Melissa Ellis: Yeah, it was really good. But I digress. I was delighted to have Andrew and Eva Blanda turn up and knocked off Andrew's NENDY, as well as Paddy Oshimo, who changed plans last minute and although not his shirt. I don't know how much has been discussed in the past about North Wollongong, Ollie, but perhaps you'd like to give the listeners a course description.

00:10:44Oliver Spake: I'd love to. So North Wollongong does not begin or end in North Wollongong, but it did once upon a time. It begins and ends at the Fairy Meadows Surf Club, which is the next suburb north of North Wollongong. Just... Along the beach track from the beach itself at the surf club, it begins on grass, hooks around the surf club and heads through what's known as Pucky's Estate, which is a rather sandy, I don't know what you describe that track as, but I'd call it.

00:11:17Melissa Ellis: It's almost like foreshore scrub.

00:11:20Oliver Spake: Yeah, foreshore scrub. That's a good description with a nice touch of sand. And it is relatively narrow. So with the numbers that they do get currently, fantastic numbers, it means you're in the thick of it for the first chunk there. But yeah. It heads south through Pucky's Estate before it goes across a boardwalk and bridge with a lovely outlook over the lagoon. Incidentally, the very same lagoon where my wedding reception was. As you turn out and you run around Stewart Park across the grass, eventually to North Wollongong Surf Club. So that's really the surf club to surf club trot. You turn around there and return from where you have just parkrunned.

00:12:05Melissa Ellis: Thank you. So we were amongst a crowd of 361, which is a little more or a little less than average, but we can't bring you the statistics anymore.

00:12:16Oliver Spake: Too soon, Mel, too soon.

00:12:17Melissa Ellis: Afterwards, we had brunch at the North Break Cafe in Woonoona, followed by a swim in the sea pool at Bulambi. How am I going with my pronunciation? Fantastic. Thank you. And, of course, we also caught up for dinner at the Waterfront Tavern with Cathy and the girls, which was a perfect end to a fabulous day.

00:12:34Oliver Spake: Yeah, yeah. No, and it was an absolute pleasure to spend that time with you, Mel. I jumped the gun to how was my parkrun day because... It was great. It was great to get to enjoy not only brunch but the catch-up later on with you. I spent the day largely with the family, especially with Hannah and James, and they were spur-of-the-moment inclusions to dinner as well. So, yeah, you certainly know how to draw a good crowd there, Mel, and spur-of-the-moment. It was a lovely one. Yeah. Tone probably went down with our card game later on.

00:13:15Melissa Ellis: I was wondering if you were going to bring that up. Do we tell the listeners we played Cards Against Humanity with your young children?

00:13:25Oliver Spake: So the explanation here is that there is supposedly a family version of Cards Against Humanity, which I suppose replaces the general innuendo in cards. Not all of it, I'd say, but most of the explicit innuendo of Cards Against Humanity that I believe exists. I've never played it. Neither have I. May have played it once, but it replaces it with toilet humour and other pop culture references. So, yeah, it was an interesting game and naturally the kids won.

00:13:48[crosstalk]

00:13:59Melissa Ellis: They did.

00:13:59Lyndell Murray: They absolutely did.

parkrun news bulletin

00:14:01Melissa Ellis: Now, so that's another high and we're going to head down.

00:14:07Oliver Spake: I think we call this a low. It's news and discussion. And look, I suppose we've had some discussion around how to approach this particular discussion that has been the focal point of the parkrun world for the best part of the last half a week as of the time we're recording. So... I think if we begin with a bit of a recap, I'll do my best to explain with a bit of context of what's happening. But I am sure that the majority of our listeners would be familiar, so I'll try and keep it fairly brief. But I'll kick us off, Mel, and say that, yes, on Thursday, the 8th of February, a change was made to parkrun country and event pages. Removed from these pages were several records pages in the results sections, as well as other record attendances and statistics from the footer of event pages. We were aware that communications via the ambassador network and thanks to the many volunteer ambassadors for their efforts then and as always on the day did reach out about this change as it had been made. But subsequently, as in the following day, an email was distributed to event teams containing an explanation from parkrun HQ and an apology. And I will spare us the full quote, but it did say to our ambassadors and event teams, recognising that many had noted the change. And I quote, we had absolutely intended to let you know of these before they went live and allow for questions. However, a leak of the information and missteps in our internal processes have meant that these changes haven't played out in the order we would have hoped. nor have they happened in a way which we are proud of. We strive to be world-class and are truly sorry that the information cascade has failed on this occasion. And I suppose I'll refer to parkrun HQ's communications update that came out with that and went live shortly thereafter. Within that conversation, It did quote, we know that our website's an important source of information for all parkrunners, especially those who are new and yet to take part. And we therefore established a global working group to consider how we can present data in a way that is not off-putting and doesn't imply that parkrun is a race. So this project that was launched covered parkrun's global website, national websites and event websites for both 5K and Junior parkrun and considered feedback from a range of people, including those who had signed up with parkrun but not participated, those that participated once and from a range of regular participants. This project group had spent many months now making detailed investigations and recommendations. What was clear is that there was a disconnect between the performance data displayed so prominently on the site and our mission to create opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in parkrun events, especially those who are anxious about activities such as parkrun, but who potentially have an enormous amount to gain. Based on the conclusions and recommendations of the project group, we will no longer publish data such as most first finishers, sub-17 men and sub-20 women, and age, grade or category speed records. Alongside these, as part of our ongoing data protection improvements, the search function has been removed. It does go on to explain what doesn't change, but I suppose from that, worth noting, Mel, that we are aware that a subsequent change has seen that pages such as the most events table have also been unable to be accessed. So as of Saturday so far and as of time of recording, if you go to the most events page, at least the Australian one, I believe, it does tell you that an internal error has occurred And please wait a short while and try again, parkrun Australia, almost done, parkrun Australia has, of course, sent out further communications to its volunteer network, acknowledging the disruption the changes have caused, and that they are endeavouring to follow up with HQ to address that information and some of the other inquiries and varying information out there and endeavouring to respond as soon as they can.

00:18:45Melissa Ellis: And can I once again direct our community to our friends at the With Me Now podcast and the well-considered and insightful views of Danny Norman and Nicola Forward. While we are primarily a podcast about parkrun adventuring, we realise that from time to time decisions occur that may impact our community and there may be an expectation for us to report them. and offer our opinions through our personal lens. While I'm unsure what I can add to this conversation, I will say that I agree with what Danny said in his Facebook Live on Friday about finding a way to change your participation. I will admit that the removal of the most events list initially caused me to feel wounded. This is due in part because over the last year and a bit, I've enjoyed seeing myself climb that list and I used an increase in my parkrun tourism to cope with my recent marriage breakdown. The small achievement of climbing the ranks brought me happiness at a very low point in my life and I do lament that if the removal had occurred perhaps 12 months earlier, my reaction would have been a lot stronger. It would have injured me greater. And while I've come a long way over the last 12 months, thanks in part to patient friends and good professional support, and I can acknowledge that I can indeed continue to tourist and have adventures without seeing myself climb an arbitrary ladder, there will be other people out there in situations where the loss for them feels overwhelming and they cannot conceive how their experience at parkrun can ever be as enjoyable. My example is specific to the removal of the most events list and I acknowledge that the removal of the other statistics will have equal effect amongst our friends. Humans tend to resent change. Why? This is a philosophical question beyond my realm of expertise. Generally, I try to be aware that change can often be good. It can force us to deal with what is lost and realign our course. This may sound dramatic, but I can promise you one thing. Purpose and fulfillment comes in many shapes and sizes. It is not one size fits all. Above all else, to both yourself and your fellow parkrunners, be kind. So, like, that's just my take on this, Ollie. This is just my – was my initial reaction and how I felt compelled to address the topic. I also wanted to add that I feel – In parkrun's obsession to be seen as inclusive to the wider population, the pendulum has swung too far in that direction, to the point where fast runners are now starting to feel unwelcome. And hopefully, as is usually the case, time will see a correction and a happy middle ground will be found. because we don't want anybody to feel that they're not included. And it was those fast start runners doing time trials that were the initial motivation for this organisation that we love to be born. So, you know, we have to find a way or parkrun needs to find a way to keep it all and not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

00:21:50Oliver Spake: I think that's an excellent point. And, I mean, I could say that of many things you have said, Mel, and I don't think it's a surprise because I do agree with a lot you say on a general basis. But I guess first and foremost, absolutely acknowledge and have heard and really appreciate have shared a lot of the feelings of many of the people who have reached out, who have shared their concerns, their reactions to the changes. And I acknowledge with the distinctions you made that, yes, anyone can be at a point in their life where You know, something brings something meaningful and that's a very personal thing that lifts us up and connects us. And for that to change out of our control can be something that really is, you know, quite damaging to our state of mind in that environment. I mean, you know, as you said I've absolutely been through times and experiences as well where you know if it weren't for parkrun I wouldn't necessarily say in my case the most events list because I'm always going to be at 50 um but uh but if it wasn't for parkrun for the community for the pod community and for professional help of course um then you know that then you know I I Two, I'm sure that I would feel wounded in the same way you describe it, and I'm sure right now there are many people that feel that way, whether it's because they're in that position, whether it's because, you know, this is something that gives them a huge lift, a huge up and drive. And I think, yeah, in acknowledging that, really the foundations of parkrun, you know, those behind the time trials and those behind many of our events, you know, a certain event, a pretty fantastic beach parkrun that I know, you know, that was founded with the great support of the Kembla Joggers running group and other running groups. And it's been people that have had that motivation to, that have been there as volunteers and continue to be there for so many events and and I suppose you know in my line of work um you know we've got you know personas as a way of describing different customer types or different um different individuals different groups that enjoy um a particular experience in this case parkrun and parkrun has many many personas and and yes it's It is there because, as we were talking before the pod, I was looking through the five-year strategy, you know, what has parkrun said that maybe was leading to this, you know, out of curiosity, and it is stated there that, you know, that the focus is, is very much on ensuring that they can maximise or emphasise the accessibility of parkrun to people of all ages and genders who are inactive and less active in lower states of health, living in areas of social deprivation, in custody or in contact with the criminal justice system. But, yes, there are other personas. You know, there's the likes of, you know, let's say Muriel, who's in the 80 to 85 age group, and those age-grade records are a key motivator, and that's a yardstick for Muriel because that's what offers just that little bit of extra motivation that brings Muriel to a parkrun. But... isn't necessarily the same motivator for others. And you've got, you know, you're aspiring parkrunners. You've got, you know, as I say, you're volunteers and they all find something different in parkrun that makes them want to take part. So, yeah, I really do feel that it's skewed and, as you say, it has tipped.

00:25:49Melissa Ellis: So to... To grow and evolve, obviously change has to occur. And it just seems unfortunate that to open it up to that wider demographic that it's going to be at the expense of a smaller demographic. And... you know, surely there's ways that we can look outside the box. Like let's just leave the parkrun pages very basic, but let's create something on the back end that the passionate people can access. Let's still have that information there. I know they're saying it's still there and it's in your results email.

00:26:31Oliver Spake: Yes.

00:26:32Melissa Ellis: Give it to an app. Let there be an official app where people can still have that experience if they choose to opt in. You don't have to. If you're not competitive, you can stay away. But, like, surely there's ways that parkrun can be innovative and still provide what that part of the original running demographic really loved about it. Yeah.

00:27:01Oliver Spake: Yeah, I can feel with both of us that there is that strong desire. We'd like to see a solution that supports those individuals. And, of course, we understand the context. parkrun's a volunteer organisation. It's a not-for-profit. It's a charity. And, you know, effort is wholly dependent on a number of factors. But, you know, I suppose with an example like that, Mel, I really like that. that notion that there are different ways of delivering that information. And I suppose we haven't seen the response and some of us have seen an apology for the way that it was approached. And I think, you know, to be perfectly honest, I think, you know, that communication error and that mistake that parkrun has acknowledged in some forums is something is what has been particularly harmful. So I suppose it's the where to from here. And I think from parkrun's perspective, it would be great to see that sort of open conversation and all of these insights, you know, invited and potentially feeding ideas like you're highlighting there and other innovative ideas that others would have. I mean, we've got... we've got over nine million parkrunners there's a lot of brains involved here um and I think to to maintain that level of connection um it would be great and I guess it would also be great to see that matched by people's feedback constructive feedback because um I know for a fact you know when you put out surveys the response rate is not quite there and focus groups and whatnot. So, yeah, the challenge there may be making the connection, but it would be great to see that discussion and dialogue come through because, you know, whether we like it or not, we've been through an experience together. We have different perspectives. And now moving forward, we still – Some may not share my feeling, but I still want parkrun. I still want to volunteer and I still want to make and contribute to people feeling welcome. And I'd love to see a solution.

00:29:18Melissa Ellis: Yeah, we need a giant whiteboard and lots of sticky notes. Let's sort this out, adventurers. You can help us. Let's put a plan together. Ollie's got the whiteboard.

00:29:29Oliver Spake: I've got the whiteboard.

00:29:30Melissa Ellis: He can do all those diagrammy stuffy things. I just come up with the good ideas. But there's also some misinformation out there. Now, we need to address this, Ollie, because that was referred to, I believe, by parkrun Australia, that there's some misinformation that they need to address. Now, I was made aware of something today that I believe is misinformation, and that came to me in the suggestion that parkrun had deliberately removed the name of a runner who'd run sub-17 and that this was now going to continue, that they didn't want – names to anybody who couldn't run sub 17. Now, I think this is misinformation because it's the sub 17 results list that's within the parkrun websites that's been removed. There's, to my knowledge, no removing of names happening. That is not something that parkrun would do. I just, I think that's wrong, definitely.

00:30:29Oliver Spake: And I'm sure that in in time we'll, we'll, we'll get that clarity. And, and I suppose that perspective and that patience is, is what's needed. I mean, we've had this, this discussion. I'm sure when I listen back, Mel, I'm going to think I'm all over the place with my thoughts and that's because I am still processing the information and, and, um, Yeah, I suppose the caution that I tell myself as well as others is we do need to allow time for the response and for the clarity and to understand what is that actual change that has been made.

00:31:06Melissa Ellis: And I just, I want to just reiterate, just to be, just to be kind to other people. People will have very strong reactions about this. Don't dismiss people's reaction. Everybody's got their own personal participation and motivation. So, you know, things are important to different people for different reasons. And, you know, look, initially when I heard the news about the age records going and event events, what is it, the event totals, event records?

00:31:36Oliver Spake: Yes, event records.

00:31:37Melissa Ellis: I kind of went, meh, don't really care, it doesn't affect me because I don't rely on that. That's not a motivating factor personally for me and I was all blasé about, oh, this isn't really going to affect my life until I completed parkrun and came home and went to update my spreadsheet and went to click on the most events list. I went, ah, ah, ah. Where's the most offensive score? And, you know, then the emotional reaction like, oh, no, I can't check. But, you know, in reality, that's probably a good thing because, yes, I was getting a little bit obsessed with it.

00:32:23Oliver Spake: Well, and yeah, I think that's a helpful example of, I'm sure, a number of different perspectives that people have had and how it's mattered for them. Yeah, just you know what's just occurred to me Mel so in other news and and I suppose you know um you know something to celebrate uh you mentioned records that there has been a record and that is the highest number of parkrun volunteers ever in Australia this parkrun day just gone uh so 5,918 parkrun volunteers volunteering at Australian parkrun events um I mean what a shame that that's been lost in a lot of the sound.

00:33:08Melissa Ellis: It's a great statistic, but that's not a motivating factor for me to volunteer. We might collectively make a record this week. Do you know what I mean? Yes. Can we access that data or is that something that parkrun needs to bring us?

00:33:25Oliver Spake: That's... Yes, that is a statistic that parkrun does need to bring us.

00:33:30Melissa Ellis: I'm sorry, you were trying to bring the vibe up and I've just gone and completely stomped all over it. I'm sorry. That's it.

00:33:33[crosstalk]

00:33:36Oliver Spake: I climbed the hill and you stayed on the low path there. And thank you, listeners, for bearing with us. It is... I'm sure something that we will hear more of and there will be more information to come out. But, yeah, I suppose as we do say, you can reach out to us at parkrunadventurers at gmail.com or at the parkrun adventurers on Facebook if you'd like to share some of your thoughts. We may not be able to get to all of them if I base my thoughts

00:34:15Melissa Ellis: Thanks, Ollie. Just put that out there and then you'll leave.

00:34:21Oliver Spake: Well, that's right, yeah.

00:34:22Unidentified speaker: We'll deal with it.

00:34:24Oliver Spake: Judging by the reaction on the socials, and granted I've only checked the parkrun Australia socials, but there's certainly been a spike.

00:34:31Melissa Ellis: Sure, like let's get together collectively and get a think tank going. We can do parkrun Shark Tank or something. I don't know. Anyway, there's more news, Ollie, that wasn't great news today come out of Kenya.

00:34:46Oliver Spake: Yeah, that's absolutely. So, yeah, tragic news in that Kelvin Kiptum, who set a stunning world record in the marathon last October in Chicago. And so running two hours and 35 seconds died in a car accident on February 11 in Kenya, as you say, and that was according to the Daily Standard. He was just 24. His coach, and I apologise for the pronunciation, but I believe it's Gervais Hakizimana of Rwanda, who was 36, also died in the accident, according to the reports available today. And, yeah, so Kiptum was only 23 when he smashed the previous marathon record, which was held by Kipchoge, and averaged 4.36 per mile for that distance. And he negative split the race, running an hour and 48 seconds for the first half and 59 minutes and 47 seconds for the second half, truly remarkable athlete and, yeah, way too soon.

00:35:59Melissa Ellis: Absolutely. So, yeah, very sad news coming today. I believe he'd only ran four official marathons and so obviously there was plenty of talent and a lot more to come. So, yeah, our thoughts to that community and, yeah.

00:36:15Oliver Spake: Absolutely. And, look, I think... With all of that discussion and all of the updates, it's time maybe to throw to someone else for a while. So reward everyone for their patience and listening through our conversation.

00:36:30[background music]

00:36:31Melissa Ellis: Up the hill again.

Roving reports & the Channel 5 News crew

00:36:33Oliver Spake: Up the hill. Lyndell, can you take us up the hill with a roving report?

Roving report Lyndell Murray — Ipswich, Queensland parkrun

00:36:44Lyndell Murray: G'day parkrun adventurers, it's Lyndell and today I am adventuring out to the lands of the Jagera, Yagera and Yugara people out at Ipswich, Queensland. Now they are celebrating their 10th birthday. 10th birthday! Brilliant! There's balloons, there's lots of people building in all kinds of costumes. We've got dinosaur shorts, we've got tutus, we've got superheroes, we've got like a fair I think fairy or tinkerbell or something like that um we've got a lot of people dressed up and a lot of people ready to have some fun so let's get into it and um I'll check in after the run

Talking to Bridget — parkrun tourist, home parkrun Nambour — parkrun tourist and international adventurer; home parkrun Nambour, Sunshine Coast

00:37:24Lyndell Murray: Alrighty, now I am here with Bridge. Bridge is here on the costume and cake trail at Ipswich. Her home parkrun is Nambour. Tell us what brings you to Ipswich today.

00:37:37Bridget: I decided to come out to Ipswich today to get the I on the alphabet challenge and I'm picking up a brand new car today in Brisbane so I drove down from the Sunshine Coast last night staying with my parents in Indooroopilly. So I just had a half-hour drive out here to Ipswich this morning and I'm wearing a Tinkerbell outfit.

00:37:56Lyndell Murray: Yes, the theme here was dress like you're 10. Tinkerbell is a fantastic outfit. And there's a few people dressed up here, isn't there, today?

00:38:06Bridget: Yeah, there's quite a few. I can see quite a few tutus. There's some superhero capes. Yeah, it's nice to see people embrace the theme when there's a parkrun birthday party on. Exactly. Now, you stood out.

00:38:22Lyndell Murray: I love Tinkerbell. You said just before that you've driven down from the Sunshine Coast, so that's a couple of hours' drive. Is that unusual for you or is this something, this is just a normal weekend for you?

00:38:34Bridget: This is a typical weekend. I do... I have sort of certainly clocked over a lot of kilometres in my car, so this is its last big adventure before I get the new car today. But a couple of weeks ago, I was out at Stanthorpe and did the Stanthorpe parkrun and that was a lovely community out there. They were very welcoming and... Interestingly, ran into a friend from Brisbane. We hadn't planned it, but we both ended up being there at Stanthorpe and we ran together. So it was nice to catch up with him there in Stanthorpe.

00:39:04Lyndell Murray: Brilliant. That's what the parkrun community is all about, new friends and old. Any other particular adventures that you've got that you'd like to tell us about?

00:39:13Bridget: I've done quite a lot of the parkruns in Denmark. I've got family and friends in Copenhagen. So my PB is at Amager Strandpark parkrun, which is on a coastal... suburb of Copenhagen. It's dead flat, really fast running, beautiful conditions. On the day that I did the PB, I think it was about 16, 17 degrees, no humidity. And a really easy sort of run. So, yeah, I love sort of doing the touristy parkruns. And when I'm overseas, I'll often sort of try and work out where the nearest parkrun is and sort of book my accommodation accordingly. Now, how many parkruns are there in Denmark? Do you know? There's around... They've had quite a number that have just started up over the last few months. I think they're up to about six or seven now in Denmark. They've got quite a lot. All right. And are you a country person yet? In Denmark? I can speak a little bit of Danish. I know quite a lot of people over there in Denmark. I get confused a lot as a local when I'm there. I have tourists that come up to me and ask me for directions or speak really slow English to me.

00:40:26Lyndell Murray: Which is funny. It is funny. It is funny indeed. Now, Denmark, so you're an international adventurer. What other countries have you done?

00:40:36Bridget: Yeah, Mount Etna in Sicily. That was pretty cool. It was a bit hard because of the sulfur and all of the stuff that you're breathing in, the Ash that you're breathing in as you're running through there. But that was spectacular, incredible to sort of run there. But, yeah, heading back over to Denmark in June, July this year. So I'm hoping to go just across to Sweden or Norway and do some parkruns there as well. Yeah. Excellent. All right.

00:41:08Lyndell Murray: Now, I'm going to put you on the spot here and ask you for your top three parkruns that doesn't include one of my favourites, Nambour, which is your home parkrun. So over to you, top three, based on whatever you like, based on the course, based on the experience that you had, based on whatever it is that you like.

00:41:26Bridget: Amager Strandpark in Denmark, that would definitely be up there because that's... across the road from where my brother lives and it's handy and lovely people there, home away from home. Rocks Riverside because I really love the community there, they're very welcoming and similarly Forest Lake because beautiful community, lovely people, very welcoming.

00:41:46Lyndell Murray: Brilliant. All right. Now, what is... Well, I was going to say what's next, but you said Denmark again in June. What else between there? Are you chasing any particular adventures or alphabet or any of those kinds of challenges?

00:42:00Bridget: Yeah, definitely need to get Zillmere. That's been on my bucket list for a while. So definitely need to head out to Zillmere parkrun. And just... I love the dress-ups. I really love the theme parties. So I know that St Lucia's got a birthday party coming up soon. I can't really remember what the theme is, but I'm sure I've got something that I'll find for that.

00:42:21Lyndell Murray: I'm sure you will. I feel terrible that I've just shown up just with socks on, just got my Wonder Woman socks on and that's it because usually I love a dress-up too. All righty. Well, thank you so much for talking to me today, Bridge, and all the best on your next adventure. Thank you very much.

00:42:38Bridget: Thanks for the chat.

Talking to Mavis — Ipswich, Queensland parkrunner, 350th parkrun — local Ipswich, Queensland parkrunner celebrating her 350th parkrun on her own birthday

00:42:42Lyndell Murray: Alrighty, I think I've got the scoop of the day here. I'm talking to a young lady who is not only celebrating her birthday on Ipswich's birthday, but she is also dressed up in a fabulous costume and also, what else?

00:42:58Mavis: Celebrating my 350th parkrun. Woohoo, high five!

00:43:02Lyndell Murray: And now, what is your name? Mavis. Mavis. And do you normally run at Ipswich parkrun?

00:43:09Mavis: Yeah, I usually run at Ipswich, but when we go on holidays, we'll try and find the nearest parkrun so we can keep our streak.

00:43:16Lyndell Murray: Oh, this is brilliant. I also am on a tourist streak, which is part of why I am here. Tell me about some of your parkrun adventures to other places. What was your favourite one, not including Ipswich?

00:43:28Mavis: Well, we went to the Gold Coast and there was a lighthouse park around. I can't remember what it was called, but we had to run on the sand. Oh, so that was the Sunshine Coast. I think you might mean Kawana on the Sunshine Coast. Yeah, and there was a lighthouse at the very top and from there it was all downhill, but it was not very fun running all the way up. LAUGHTER

00:43:53Lyndell Murray: It's a long way up, isn't it? And on the sand, you said. So that's a bit tough too. But the view from the lighthouse is pretty awesome.

00:43:59Mavis: Yeah. Every time we go there, we take a picture at the top.

00:44:02Lyndell Murray: Yeah. And you're probably on holidays, but it makes it even better too. Yeah. All right. Now tell me what else makes parkrun fun.

00:44:11Mavis: All the people because at the end of parkrun and even during parkrun we always gather in groups and just chat about our week and how our run's been going. It's really fun and you can always go to other groups and they'll be very welcoming. Excellent.

00:44:27Lyndell Murray: So have you made some friends just right here at parkrun?

00:44:30Mavis: Yeah, I have. I've met a few of my friends here. Some of them don't go here anymore but we still kept a friendship.

00:44:38Lyndell Murray: That is brilliant. Now, it's your birthday. It's Ipswich Queensland's birthday. There was a theme. What was the theme today? Do you remember what the theme was?

00:44:47Mavis: Yeah, so I'm pretty sure it was silly socks because I always wear silly socks to parkrun and I think tutus and also pink.

00:44:58Lyndell Murray: Excellent. And you are bright pink and you've got your silly socks. Tell me about your silly socks.

00:45:04Mavis: So since my 50th parkrun, we always wear silly socks to parkrun every week. And I don't remember a day when we have ever matched socks to parkrun.

00:45:15Lyndell Murray: So having unmatching socks is a bonus here. Yeah. Now, if I'm doing my maths right, that means you have worn odd and silly socks 300 times to parkrun. Yep. I think that deserves another high five.

00:45:27Rachel: Yay!

00:45:28Lyndell Murray: All right. Now, what else? Now, this podcast is for people who like going to different parkruns. So what would you like the people who listen to this podcast to know about Ipswich Queensland parkrun?

00:45:39Mavis: I would like them to know that it's a really fun parkrun and the people are really nice here and there's lots of dogs so you can play with the dogs. And it's a really good parkrun even though there are a few hills around. But it's a nice challenge.

00:45:57Lyndell Murray: You eat hills for breakfast, I think, don't you?

00:46:00Mavis: Yeah.

00:46:01Lyndell Murray: Nice work. All right. Well, thank you so much, Mavis, for talking to me. Congratulations on your 350 parkruns and have an excellent birthday. Thank you.

Talking to Rochelle — founding Event Director, Ipswich, Queensland parkrun — founder and first Event Director of Ipswich, Queensland parkrun

00:46:13Lyndell Murray: Hello, Rochelle. How are you today? Good, thank you. Now, you are the founding Event Director here of Ipswich Queensland. You said a few words at the beginning, which I was really taken with. So would you like to tell a story of how you started Ipswich Queensland parkrun?

00:46:28Rochelle: Yeah, sure. As I mentioned this morning, I discovered parkrun when I was living in the UK. My little local parkrun was five laps around a little park. And I used to do it in winter, all rugged up and... I had to come back to Ipswich. I actually was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 31. So I came home to have treatment and I thought, well, what else am I going to do? I used to fly as a flight attendant, so I couldn't work for 12 months. And the first thing I did when I came home was to see where the local parkrun was in Ipswich. And I saw it was Augustine Heights, which was a 20, 30 minute drive. And I thought, How can Ipswich, a big city like this, not have a local parkrun? So I remember I was out for my last run before surgery and I remember on the website they had a start your own parkrun button. So I went home and I jumped online and I thought I'd click the send and fill out the details, but I was petrified. I thought, I haven't lived here for 13 years. I didn't know anyone apart from family. I thought, who's going to help run this event with me? But yeah, amazingly, my family pulled together. My mum was the photographer. My uncle came and did barcode scanning every week. And yeah, so it just gave me a purpose. You know, even when I was having treatments before parkrun started, my family and I used to map out the 5k course and find the right place for it. Yeah, so it was amazing just to be able to have that as something to focus on as well as treatment. And the most amazing thing of it is just watching communities come together. You know, I saw people's lives change from health to finding friendships at parkrun and community sporting groups that didn't exist beforehand. So, yeah, it's one of the most rewarding things I have been able to do in my lifetime.

00:48:06Lyndell Murray: Brilliant. I'm getting all emotional just hearing you talk about that, Rochelle. That's wonderful. And, you know, obviously the first, I'm imagining that Limestone Park here right in the middle of Ipswich was probably one of the first places you looked for a course.

00:48:22Rochelle: Yeah, well, there's a few rules when looking for a course. It couldn't go over roads. It had to stay within one area. So there weren't many options. And so the people that have been here from the start give me a lot of hard time about the fact that there's hills and there's hills by two to do two laps. Yeah, there was no other options around Ipswich. There's not many flat places in Ipswich. It's great even being here with Little Athletics and the Sheds. We had a lot of support from the Ipswich sporting community that came on board to help ensure this event could keep running each week. Yeah, look, don't worry about hills.

00:48:56Lyndell Murray: Hills are fine. And Limestone Park, as you say, has got lots of community groups, has their home here as well. It's right pretty much in the middle of Ipswich, isn't it? I'm not sure, I'm not from Brisbane.

00:49:07Rochelle: Yeah, it's only a few kilometres from the centre of town, so it's quite easy for people to come from outer skirts of Ipswich to a central place to do the event, yeah.

00:49:16Lyndell Murray: And so you're no longer a local. You've spread your wings again from Ipswich.

00:49:21Rochelle: Yes, so I moved to Brisbane and now I'm in Melbourne. So the hardest part was actually finding someone or handing it over to someone else. But I was lucky, Kay Sherlock, who used to come, she took over. And I know there's been a few people since, but knowing that there was someone else that had the same care and love for the event to keep it running. And yeah, 10 years later, it's still here, which is great.

00:49:44Lyndell Murray: I feel like the care and love is still here, Rochelle. I really do feel that. But back to you and other parkrun adventurers. Are you still parkrunning in Melbourne?

00:49:55Rochelle: Yes, so my local one, I live Bayside, so Chelsea Heights is my local one and Albert Park as well. It's not too far away. Although doing that with a pram with 1,000 people is quite a challenge.

00:50:05[crosstalk]

00:50:08Lyndell Murray: It sure is. It sure is. All right. Now, do you do much other adventuring? Have you got a top three parkruns from your adventures around the world? You started in the UK. Did you do much adventuring over there?

00:50:19Rochelle: I didn't do too many. I only sort of discovered it just before I moved back home. But, yeah, I've done parkrun in South Africa, New Zealand. Oh, gosh, I'm trying to remember all the countries. But, yeah, anywhere you go, it's just the first thing you do is jump online and see where there's a local parkrun, even interstate when you travel.

00:50:38[crosstalk]

00:50:40Lyndell Murray: Yeah, absolutely. All right. Well, thank you so much for talking to me. Thank you for starting Ipswich Queensland parkrun. And thank you for everything that you've done for this community and the other communities that you've touched. Absolutely. Thank you. All righty, parkrun adventurers, that is it. That is a wrap from me from Ipswich, Queensland, parkrun. It is Ipswich, Queensland because, of course, there is an Ipswich parkrun in the UK. And it's a rare I, as we alluded to with one of the interviews there. I want to just give a quick shout out to Chris and Sue, fellow adventurers who I met here today but couldn't stop for a chat because I had to get back onto a flight home to Sydney. So, g'day Chris and Sue. I'm sure I'll talk to you another time. And, yeah, Limestone Park, middle of Ipswich, is where Ipswich Queensland parkrun is, Ipswich being about 40 minutes west of Brisbane in southeast Queensland. And we did also allude to the hills. What I did not find out was there's hills throughout this course, but they talk about Heartbreak Hill. I want to know which one is Heartbreak Hill. I should have found that out while I was there. Oh, well, next time. See you again on the parkrun adventurers. This is Lyndell signing out.

00:51:55[background music]

00:52:02Melissa Ellis: and thank you so much Lyndell, always great to hear from you appreciate you always bringing us the traditional lands too just by the by um Lyndell spoke to tourist Bridget who loves a dress up a woman after my own heart little mavis doing her 350th parkrun on ipswich's birthday in her silly socks And the OG ED, Rochelle. So, yeah, great news there coming to us and giving us a bit more insight into the parkrun that is Ipswich.

00:52:36Oliver Spake: Yes. Happy birthday, team Ipswich, and thank you, Lyndell.

Dazza's

00:52:40Oliver Spake: But, Mel, Dazza time. And this week, Dazza said, it's umbrella day. Did you need one? Welcome to Dazza's, where the coffee and smiles make even rainy days good days. How was your parkrun morning? And some of those comments included from Ingrid Botha in New South Wales. When Paris met Harry. It was lovely to see Jill McClintock at Dolls Point today, and yes, we needed that umbrella. Paris always looks like she's cross at me for throwing water at her when it's raining, but she did well nevertheless. And the photo there was Ingrid and Jill with Paris and Harry, the one and only Harry the Hover Dog.

00:53:23Melissa Ellis: That was pretty exciting. I loved that photo.

00:53:26Oliver Spake: Yeah.

00:53:27Melissa Ellis: And we also heard from Ian and Lydia Knox coming to us from the Great Estate. No umbrella required at Kirkdale Reserve parkrun, which celebrated their second annual Pride parkrun event. So I brought my loud shirt. And I believe that was Ian speaking. And the photo showed Ian and Lydia, loud shirt evidenced with fireworks. parkrun pride chalked on the ground and a pride flag hanging in the shelter behind them. So as an aside, Melbourne has been celebrating its LGBTQIA plus Midsummer Festival, which runs over 22 days in January and February each year. And it's great to have Kirkdale Reserve parkrun getting on board with a pride themed event.

00:54:12Oliver Spake: Now, from WA, David Bravos. Little Lucy is currently having a stay at Perth Children's Hospital Resort and Spa. So I ducked to the nearest parkrun and previous Palmer host at UWA parkrun. As many in Perth are saying, even the shadiest parkruns are a slog when it's over 30 degrees at 8 o'clock. So the only umbrella you'll see is a mini parasol in my breakfast cocktail. And Chloe added there that Lucy is on the mend, thankfully, after a bout of pneumonia and should be right as rain in time for Palm. And we did get the picture of Dave in the shade at UWA and evidence that Lucy is indeed improving. Get well soon, Lucy.

00:54:55Melissa Ellis: Yes, seconded. Now, we also heard from Peter Leroux coming to us from South Africa, and he said, sunny day after rain overnight here, but I DNF'd at Boksburg parkrun after the three-year-old's legs gave out after 1.5 kilometres. Spent the morning playing on the seesaw and swings instead. Vitality points and parkrun stats can wait. And there was no photo but a nice little image in my mind with... Swings and seesaws. It sounds like Peter's got his priorities right.

00:55:31Oliver Spake: Absolutely. Absolutely. Now in the UK, it was Smith time. Tamsin Smith, who said, lovely run at Seaton today with Morgulin and Stuart, but I needed a hot chocolate afterwards. And the picture there of Morgulin on course with a fabulous view of the ocean and what looks like a line of flags blowing in the breeze. Yes, that was a good shot. Yeah.

00:55:54Melissa Ellis: And we also had Michael Blain coming to us from Kingsland, and he said, great morning with the superb volunteer team and so friendly locals at Weipa parkrun. Now, I wanted to bring this one to everybody because unless you're Australian, you might not realise that Weipa is probably one of the most remote parkruns in the country. So Michael shared a photo of himself and a friend in the Weipa's selfie frame. And the friend, interestingly enough, was on tiptoes. I thought it was kind of cute. But, yeah, well done for getting up there, Michael. I have met Michael at Des Connor Junior parkrun. He's a junior volunteer. We like to acknowledge our junior volunteers.

00:56:39Oliver Spake: We certainly do. We certainly do. Now, another coming to us from South Africa was Johan from the Channel 5 News crew, of course, saying, after the umpteenth heatwave of this summer, it was a pleasant surprise to wake up to light drizzle and a much cooler morning in Durban as we headed out to Fig Tree parkrun, South Africa, where no brollies were needed, but the locals got their jackets. I joined Jenny Saunders, Linda Christian-Lanz, and... Gillian or Gillian? I'll take a guess and say Gillian Findlay to get a closer look at this event, which looks like spaghetti on the course map and snakes around the hills. After the first time as briefing, I felt a bit more confused, but once running, it all made sense and snaking up and down the hills was really enjoyable. But it is a toughie, although not as challenging as the nearby Thousand Hills parkrun. That sounds fun. An awesome volunteer team made the visit all the more pleasant. And photo there was Johan with the three lovely ladies all in green shirts and showing their legs with the green fields around them.

00:57:54Melissa Ellis: Now, coming to us from Tasmania was Val Warwick. No umbrella needed today, but the headwind on the return leg at Bells Parade parkrun was enough to blow one away if we'd had one. Steve and I walked together and there was pics of selfies on course by the water and by the finish flag.

00:58:14Oliver Spake: Now, South Australia, Janet Reid said, oh, my gosh, Dazza. So here's the thing. I had the best morning aboard the mothership Lochiel because despite forgetting to start my watch, I ran happy for the first time in over two years. Really, really happy. It was just beautiful. Well, in my head, it was beautiful. Not too sure about my running style, but I am a WIP. That is a work in progress, and that's okay. Numbers were down on last week, thank goodness, but we still had a great turnout. Clear blue skies, smiling faces, and chirping birds made me even happier. No umbrella needed here. I hope you had a great morning chatting with everyone. See you next week, Dazza. And we saw some pictures of Janet looking happy.

00:59:01Melissa Ellis: Last but not least, we heard from Graham Wilkinson coming to us from the USA and he said, Hi Dazza, I had a great run at Livonia parkrun on Saturday to tick off my 11th country. Such a friendly crowd of people in a place I might never have visited if not for parkrun. My junior RD nickname of Sun God held up well while it was a little chilly, no umbrellas were needed. No more parkruns for a while for me. I'm off to Argentina for a few weeks before returning home with a new volunteer to help me out on Sunday mornings. It's not just parkrun love that's in the air. And Graham shared two emojis and one was a little church and one was a little engagement ring. So I am taking from that that Graham is off to get married in Argentina. Surely I've interpreted that correctly.

00:59:52Oliver Spake: It's a sure thing, surely. Okay. But that's fantastic.

00:59:56Melissa Ellis: That's a sure thing. So that's exciting. Adventurer weddings. Hooray. Yes. And junior volunteer adventurers too. Even better. So congratulations, Graham, and your lovely bride-to-be.

01:00:03[crosstalk]

01:00:10Oliver Spake: Absolutely. Yeah. But, yeah, thank you, everyone, for joining us at Dazza's this week. We did get a lot of comments once again.

the Obi Award — Ingrid Botha and Jill McClintock — for the “When Paris met Harry” post and photo

01:00:21Oliver Spake: But it's time for an envelope, Mel. It is. It is.

01:00:25Melissa Ellis: So would you like to do the honours? I've got the camera ready. I don't know if everybody's continuing to enjoy my photos. I am posting them. I usually wait a few days before because it says it's a spoiler. Yeah, yeah. But I think the people who are the recipients are enjoying seeing the photos. So do the honours, please.

01:00:44Oliver Spake: Okay. Well, interestingly, there's a bit of a quote here which says, when I get a new book, I read the last page first. That way, if I die before I finish, I know how it comes out. That, my friend, is a dark side. And the winner is... When Paris Met Harry. Yay! And I do believe that's a quote there. And, yeah, fittingly, because that was our first Dazza's entry that we read out. So there's my tenuous link there. But, yeah, well done to two of our favourite bark runners.

01:01:00[background music]

01:01:25[crosstalk]

01:01:31Melissa Ellis: And see if you can pick up the few little tedious giggles and jokes that have peppered through the pot.

01:01:37Oliver Spake: That's right. That's right. But, Mel, I don't believe we have any emails yet. Wait for the complaints. So what we'll do is we'll take a pause here.

Club Corner

01:01:47Oliver Spake: And last week, Rachel did mention that after hearing about the current podcast, it was time for the past podcasts. So in the theme of things not around any longer, it's time for Club Corner.

01:01:59[13 seconds of audio that could not be transcribed]

01:02:12Rachel: This is Rachel with Club Corner, coming to you from Arrernte Country, and in 2024 I am making things snappy. Continuing with the podcast news, this time takes on a retrospective nature, starting with a perhaps defunct podcast, parkrun Life, from an Aussie, named Luke Morris. The last episode was loaded in October 2023, after about 20 episodes since mid-2022. Now for the, yeah, they are defunct pods. Free, weekly, timed, the official, unofficial parkrun pod from parkrun HQ. The parkrun show, the previous incarnation of Danny and Nicola, and it went off the air in March 2015, with nearly four years of episodes. The parkrun Show, Australia, an Aussie version of The parkrun Show, hosted by Aussies, about Australia, but no longer available on the web. It ended with 50 episodes, in 2014, after airing for 12 months. Stay Frosty parkrun, last time to air in November 2019, with 42 episodes in their feed. The 930 Club, about parkrun in Ireland, last to air in August 2020. Lace Up and Listen, from Amelia Uphill in the UK with 20 plus episodes spread over 18 months or so. I even found a few long since ceased parkrun pods from individual events. Things have certainly changed on the comms front over nearly 20 years of parkrunning. From all the podcasts listed this time and last, I recommend listening to the entire back catalogue of parkrun adventurers, The parkrun Show, and With Me Now, try to do them in chronological order if you can, as it makes a nice journey, and those shows do have some banter back and forth winky face. And remember, stay tuned for our future Club Corners.

01:03:56Melissa Ellis: And thank you to Rachel. Quite a few there, Ollie. I can say that although I have never listened to the UK parkrun show, I have listened with me now from its beginning. I did also listen a free weekly time, but that is the extent of my parkrun podcast repertoire, apart from ours, of course.

01:04:14Oliver Spake: Yes.

01:04:15Melissa Ellis: But there was a few in there I hadn't heard of.

01:04:17Oliver Spake: Some familiar names in there. But, yeah, we do love our parkrun podcasting community.

01:04:23Melissa Ellis: We do.

Consolidated Club Report

01:04:24Oliver Spake: But what we also love, Mel, is our Adventurers Club.

01:04:28Melissa Ellis: And the adventurers Consolidated Club report for Saturday, the 10th of February 2024, of a total of 554 members, 424 took part on this date in eight countries across 225 locations. In the UK, there were adventurers at 34 events, three in South Africa and the USA and one each in Austria, Ireland and Norway. Locally we had adventurers at 51 events in the Great Estate, 45 in Kingsland, 41 in New South Wales. They're third, they're third. The West Side had 16, South Australia had 13, Tassie had six, there was five in the ACT, three on the North Island, two on the South Island and none in the Northern Tree.

the Frond — 8 adventurers at North Wollongong (Melissa Ellis, Olly Spake, Bec Bailey, Paddy Oshimo, Andrew and Eva Blanda, Hannah Newton, James Thomas); largest international: the Smiths at Seaton, UK

01:05:14Oliver Spake: In terms of our fronds, our largest international frond are the Smiths.

01:05:19Melissa Ellis: Surprise!

01:05:21Oliver Spake: At Seaton in the UK with three.

01:05:24Melissa Ellis: And our largest frond, Ollie, was eight adventurers at North Wollongong, which was, of course, me and you and Bec Bailey and Patio Shimmo, Andrew and Eva Blanda, Hannah Newton and James Thomas.

01:05:39Oliver Spake: Now...

Launches and anniversaries"Where is the cake?"

01:05:41Oliver Spake: New hatches to the parkrun family. We've got one in Tassie. Yes. We've got a special one in Tassie. Zeehan Golf Club in Tasmania. Welcome to the family. So in Tassie, so it's a 9 a.m. start located on the west coast and approximately 140 kilometres southwest of Burnie. It is a double out and back. That's probably the quicker version of out and back is what I should have said for North Wollongong. Along the Spray Tunnel MTB Trail. Okay. What is a spray tunnel, Ollie? I'm glad you asked, Mel. It is a 100 metre long abandoned train tunnel that leads to what was the spray silver mine. The tunnel was carved through the hill so that ore could be moved from the mine. The tunnel is unusually shaped like a keyhole, approximately three metres high and 2.2 metres wide and 100 metres long. In the middle of the tunnel, you can shine a torch light to the ceiling and discover glowworms. At event number one, there were 65 participants with 10 first-time parkrunners. It's great to see a parkrun reach the West.

01:06:47Melissa Ellis: Hooray. And, yes, two Zs in Australia. Go us. That one might be easier for me to get to. We shall see. Now, there was also a launch in the Netherlands, Ollie, van Heekpark. I don't know if that's correct. Correct pronunciation, van Heekpark, would you say that?

01:07:09Oliver Spake: I would.

01:07:09Melissa Ellis: He's Googling it. This event is in a park in Enschede and it's three laps around the edge of a park on asphalt and dirt path. There was 87 participants and 60 first ever first timers. Now that's high, 60 out of 87. Yeah, it really is. Enschede, I'm going to say I'm pretty confident. I think I've heard, oh, well, no, don't believe me. What have you Googled?

01:07:36Oliver Spake: No idea.

01:07:37Melissa Ellis: Okay. Well, anyway, we did our best.

01:07:40Oliver Spake: That's right.

01:07:41Melissa Ellis: Don't shoot the messenger. Now, as far as adventurer PBs go, we had James Thomas. Hooray. That's right. That's right.

01:07:49Oliver Spake: That's the only one I've looked up, so my apologies to the other PBers out there. But given we're on the scene, Mel, congratulations to James Thomas with a new PB of 42.37.

01:07:59Melissa Ellis: That's actually my bad, Ollie, because they were in the Consolidated Club Report data that I received, and if we just keep talking for two more seconds.

01:08:08Oliver Spake: Pad, pad, pad.

01:08:10Melissa Ellis: I can tell you that, yes, there was two others. There was Geoff Reid, who ran a PB at Lochiel in a time of 30 minutes 22. Happy time, Geoff. And Bill Lodwick, who ran a PB at Berwick Waters in a time of 22.28. Well done, Bill. So congratulations to those three guys.

01:08:29Oliver Spake: And congratulations also to one of our adventurers for the milestone of the V100, Andrew Yeatman at Perry Lakes parkrun. So congratulations and thank you for volunteering.

01:08:40Melissa Ellis: And he also popped into Dazza's, although I did not copy and paste the post that he said, but I do believe it was, yes, as you said, 100 as photographer.

01:08:52Oliver Spake: Yes, that's right.

01:08:53Melissa Ellis: Specifically calls himself the paparazzi. So it was... And he's got a total of 140 volunteers all up. So well done to Andrew.

01:09:05Oliver Spake: Now, of course, everyone, please remember, if you'd like us to track, I should say, these achievements, you can add the Adventurers Club as one of your five affiliations on your parkrun profile. And just to ensure our pod has a conversation about stats, if you'd like some stats, please check out www.theinformant.me for whichever stats the informant is able to reach.

Sign-off

01:09:34Melissa Ellis: He's been busy problem-solving all night and day, I do believe, finding workarounds. So never you worry, he'll find a way. But it's time for us to look at next week. Ollie, we usually go to me first, but let's go to you. Let's go to me. Can you say it in a way that you don't say it?

01:09:57Oliver Spake: I've just put my name down as Timekeeper, so I'll be volunteering looking over a beautiful beach somewhere.

01:10:04Melissa Ellis: I don't know where that would be. Anyway, me, I am hoping to get to Ball Park parkrun, one of our relatively new events. I don't know what they're up to. They must be up to about three or four by now.

01:10:16Oliver Spake: In the ballpark there, yep.

01:10:22Melissa Ellis: Up in Corowa on the Victorian New South Wales border. So we'll see. We might do a stupid o'clock drive to get up to that. It's only about three hours, so I should be right.

01:10:30[crosstalk]

01:10:34Oliver Spake: Well, safe travels, Mel, and for our listeners. If you've made it this far, if you've listened to our many, many discussions, our ups and our downs, safe travels to you too. We wish you all a happy parkrun day. Enjoying it your way. But, Mel, as always. Anyone and everyone may contact us via parkrun adventurers on Facebook or our email, which is parkrunadventurers at gmail.com. That is it for another week. We'll see you all next week for more adventures.

01:11:00[outro theme playing]

01:12:25Unidentified speaker: Sorry.

01:12:25Melissa Ellis: Welcome to episode 360. Sorry. 360 something. I'll start again. Sorry. They did like me giggling more.

01:12:35[laughter]

01:12:54Oliver Spake: They did. It was highly rated.