Lydiard parkrun

13/06/2026

Run Report for Lydiard parkrun Number 737



It’s been a week of big numbers.



On Thursday, one in seven of all human beings on Earth, that’s 1.2 billion people worldwide, watched an opening ceremony and a game of football.



On Friday, one man, who wants to go to other planets, became the world’s first dollar trillionaire.



And on Saturday, that’s today - with more than 12 million people registered worldwide and more than 2,800 events in 23 countries - the one millionth parkrun event took place.



Here are some more stats. Globally, approx. 450,000 people complete a weekly parkrun or a junior parkrun, and are supported by 50,000 volunteers.



And do you know what they say about all of this at parkrun HQ?



They say that it is you, her, him, and all of us – the runners, joggers, walkers, and volunteers – who power parkrun.



Yes, we are the power behind parkrun. What a nice feeling, for each of us, to be among the people who power such a beautiful thing. Long live parkrun!



And contributing to these stats at Lydiard parkrun today were 480 participants, who included 58 First Timers, whom we welcome, and 56 people who got themselves new PBs and our congratulations.



Reaching the milestone of 50 runs today were Stefan Darling and Jane and Ted Miller. Well done!



On a bright and sunny morning, we welcomed tourists from Birmingham, Exmouth, Ross on Wye, Southampton, and Ireland; and were looked after by 55 volunteers, whom we thank.



Among them, and all today’s parkrunners, are doubtless supporters of various teams playing ‘the beautiful game’ on the other side of the pond.



Wishing them all well and may the spirit of parkrun - of doing one’s best, having a good time, and looking after one another - be with them all.



Till we meet again – on 27th June, because Lydiard parkrun on 20th June is cancelled – keep well, keep moving, and enjoying summer.



Matt Holland

[email protected]

11/06/2026

How did we get to 1 million parkrun events? 🤔

It didn’t happen overnight.

Here are some of the key moments reached along the journey.

Support the next part of our story, donate today 👉 parkrun.me/xubsd

🌳

07/06/2026

Lydiard Park Run : number 736 : 6 June 2026

A cool and drizzly day but the weather didn’t put off the 479 hardy souls who made their way round the two laps running, or maybe walking, skipping, hopping, through the puddles as instructed by Run Director Emma. The conditions didn’t slow the 63 who managed to get a PB today – well done.

A total of 54 people were new to Lydiard today with 29 of them trying out Parkrun for the very first time. Wonderful to see 15 people came back today for their second Parkrun.

It’s Volunteers’ Week, an annual UK-wide celebration recognising the contribution of millions of people who give their time, so a huge thank you to the 51 volunteers who helped today with a shout out to Anne Ray for her 250 time of volunteering.

Lydiard and the three Swindon Junior Parkruns are always looking for more volunteers to help so if you have some time to spare it would be greatly appreciated.

Other shout-outs today were:
25 runs: Kate Marshall, Rachel Forster, Georgia Herbert, Kimberly Corps, Isabel Gough, Carlos Costa and Ian Surtees
100 runs: Sam Jesset and Jean Rimmer

We welcomed tourists from Lee-on-Solent, Winsor, Chipping Sodbury, Penarth, Bingley, Pontefract, Bury St Edmunds and Newcastle.

We were also joined by the Longevity Games people (www.thelongevitygames.co.uk) who were highlighting their Relay Like No Other which takes place on 4th July. Each team will have an official relay baton with a timing chip inside. You can take part solo, pairs or teams of 3, 4, 5 or 6 and every entrant receives a medal. All levels are welcome as it is about participation, teamwork and longevity, not just speed. They are also looking for volunteers to help out if you can please contact Tim on 07760425159.

Swindon has been long-listed for the prestigious title of UK CITY OF CULTURE 2029 and Swindon Culture Collective is asking for your valuable input for their final bid in August. What has Swindon already dreamt up that you’re proud of? What’s happening in Swindon right now that feels like a dream worth sharing? What would your dream Swindon moment look like? Check out www.swindonculturecollective.org.uk and have your say. The win would bring funding and opportunities to elevate the borough’s future with a year of unforgettable events, creativity and celebration, attracting new investment, jobs and visitors so please back the bid!

Finally, if you’re interested in trying a new sport I can recommend Ferndale Judo Club, a friendly welcoming club for all ages and abilities. It’s particularly good for beginners and those who just want to have a go. They can also teach you how to fall without hurting yourself! Contact club coach Bryan Evans on 07770452246 or check out Ferndale.judo on Facebook.

Please note there is NO Lydiard Parkrun on 20 JUNE as it is armed forces day.

Ann C

Sign up to our 2026 events click Below Enter Here The Longevity Games   The most inclusive Fitness Event in the UK, transforming lives of people all ages and abilities. In 2025, we had over 700 people take part, with people using the event to check in on their fitness level. We welcome people of al...

31/05/2026

Lydiard Park parkrun #735

30th May 2026



Today was the day when I thought temperatures were returning to more normal levels to give us more comfortable running conditions, well it didn’t feel like it for me. I thought it was roasting out there.



Today we had 496 hardy souls take on the Lydiard parkrun course. We were joined by our friends from 5k Your Way who provide support to anyone whose life is affected by cancer, please check them out if you need to, they do some amazing work. https://www.moveagainstcancer.org/5k-your-way/ One of their regulars Michael Ifil was celebrating his birthday, he was trying to keep it quiet apparently. Happy Birthday !



Also joining us were tourists from Cheltenham, Newport (the Welsh one), Burnley, Bushy Park, Pymmes Park, Reading, Salisbury , Sidmouth & Woking



We celebrated milestones for ;

Harish Kumar Perundurai Ramalingam - 50 runs

Mike Jones, my mate Jordan Barrett & Emma Miles - all 100 runs

Steve Dudman achieved an amazing 500 runs and also his 50th occasion of volunteering.

Sarah Kate Bridgewater 50th occasion of volunteering (more on her later)

Finally, Ray and Sally Barker will have each achieved 100 occasions of volunteering at Junior parkrun tomorrow.



Much respect to you all as you continue your parkrun journey.



First male today was Lewis Mokler in a pb time of 17:01, first female was Katie O’Hare in a time of 20:26, well done to you both.



The Saharan conditions didn’t stop 67 people achieving pb’s which ultimately is the goal for most of us. Well done, it was tough out there which makes this all the more amazing. Most of you will have come across Yayha Pandor, our Visually Impaired friend, he achieved his pb of 21:40 today superbly guided by Jack Clarke. To run this sort of time ay Lydiard is a goal far away from the majority of us, but to do this with zero vision in my opinion is amazing. It shows that no matter what life throws at us we are all capable of amazing feats.



Again, well done to each and every one of you on your own pb’s



Joining us also were 23 people who joined us to walk, jog or run for the very first time, welcome on board to parkrun, which as we all know can become very addictive. Speaking of which we should mention this gentleman.



Darren Wood, the first person to make it to 1000 runs, starting at parkrun #2 (when there was only Bushy time trial) he has arrived on Saturday at the yellow milestone shirt, what an effort and far beyond where many of us end will end up in run counts. It has taken him just over 11 years to get from 500 to 1000 runs, if you’re past 500 yourself, keep at it. He has conducted many interviews, but his view is that it really doesn’t matter whether you’re on event number 1000, 100 or 1, parkrun is for us all and we each have our own personal journeys to embark on.



Which brings me to the owner of the first ever yellow milestone shirt.



Nicki Clark is still volunteering as keenly as though she is on occasion number 1. 1232 occasions of volunteering, she is also an amazing advocate that parkrun is not just about the participants it’s about the volunteers as well.



Lydiard had its own 53 Hi-Viz heroes today, superbly marshalled (pun intended) by Sarah-Kate Bridgewater who was celebrating her birthday, not a milestone one, although I think she would still be eligible for a red shirt. We thank you all, for without you on baking days like today and in the depths of winter, there is no parkrun. If you haven’t thought about volunteering before, please do it’s very rewarding and great fun.



Another mention must go to Ali and Tina (I don’t have your surnames) who gave up their run today to assist one of our participants who had fallen and couldn’t get back to get assistance. Thank you to you both and the park warden who came to the gentleman’s aid, another great example of the true spirit of parkrun.



So onwards to next week’s shenanigans, stay safe, healthy and hopefully see you at a parkrun very soon.



Julian Farmer

Report Writer.

23/05/2026

One day I will write a run report without mentioning the weather - but it won’t be today! Today Lydiard was bathed in sunshine for run number 734. There was a little bit of a breeze but it was pretty blimmin warm out there for the 553 of us who ran, jogged or walked around the course. Thank you to the volunteers who were also out there on the course supporting us.

We were joined by two groups today, firstly Lorraine and Fiona from Swindon Borough Council’s foster team were promoting Foster Care Fortnight. Please spread the word for them, they are looking for carers within a 20 mile radius.

We were also joined by the Magor Ladies Association who have completed their challenge of running and walking 900k between them during May. They are raising funds for the Brighter Futures charity and GWH hospital.

Congratulations to them on achieving their target and we hope you have raised lots of money!

Our numbers were swelled by RWB Hound’s club championship run, covering the start line in a sea of yellow and blue. Mike from Hounds ran the course with a 20kg backpack as part of his training for Race to the Stones, he’s raising money for SSAFA, the armed forces charity. As a side note to this, Lydiard parkrun is cancelled on 20 June for Armed Forces Day. https://www.lydiardpark.org.uk/event/armed-forces-day/ Other parkruns are available…

A few stats about today’s run: 553 of us completed the course, helped by 52 volunteers (including a tail walker with his arm encased in plaster, following a fall while ‘enjoying’ parkrun tourism elsewhere ). We welcomed tourists from Basingstoke, Bedgebury, Cardiff, Chippenham, Chipping Sodbury, Cirencester, Leicester , Quakers Walk, Stratford Park (Stroud) and Witney, also Jules Pearson our event support ambassador.

First finisher was Tom Hill from the Hounds with a PB of 17:15, with Jessica Stueber first female in a time of 20:59 for her 150th parkrun. 41 people joined us for their first ever parkrun today as well as 39 who completed their second parkrun. Well done all and hopefully you enjoyed yourselves with parkrun becoming a regular part of your Saturday.

Milestones today:
Kieren Robertson (25)
Nobby (Robert) Clark and Martin Cooper (50)
Steve White (100)
Jessica Stueber (150)
Jackie Moss (450)

In other news from the outside world, Darren Wood has done 999 parkruns. I expected to see the 1,000 barrier smashed today but I see that he was barcode scanning instead. Please think about following Darren’s lead and volunteering, whether you’ve done parkrun 9 times, or 999 times.

Thank you for reading this far, if you have! Remember we are cancelled at Lydiard Park on 20 June, see you next week for event #735.
@

23/05/2026

Hi folks,

With the summer coming up and people disappearing on holidays for mid-term breaks and the like, we find ourself unusually short of marshals for the next few weeks.

If you can volunteer for a marshal spot we would really appreciate it, 30/5, 6/6 & 13/6 we are particularly light on cover.

Thanks in advance, email in at [email protected]

18/05/2026

Run Report for Lydiard parkrun Number 733



How fitting that on a parkrun day when messages of love, care, and kindness were in the air – like ‘it’s ok to not be ok’; ‘the world is brighter with you in it’; and ‘it helps to run, walk, or talk’ – we also had a message of gratitude and love from parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt.



Two weeks ago, Paul had appeared at Swindon’s LitFest. He had joined us for a Freedom Run, and then, in a packed-out Lydiard Conference Centre, told us about his early life, and what led him to start, name, and establish parkrun.



Today, he sent us a message of thanks, which RD Emma read out, loud and clear, in which he said this. ‘Many thanks for having me at your festival. It was a truly lovely day meeting so many wonderful people and feeling the love. Thanks to everyone who made the day special for me.’ And thanks to you Paul, for making parkrun special for us.



And, let’s hope it was a special day for 95 people who took part in parkrun for the first time today. It certainly will be for Anne Ray who has made it to 300 runs and for the 72 participants who got themselves new PBs and our congratulations.



Among today’s 510 runners, joggers, and walkers, we welcomed tourists from Birmingham, Cambridge, Doncaster, Evesham, Frome, Sandringham, Slough, and the Netherlands no less. Hope you all liked Lydiard parkrun and will take our good vibes and best wishes back to your own home parkruns.



Doubtless, your parkruns rely on terrific teams of volunteers. Ours certainly does, and we thank today’s team of 52, which included one volunteer who found himself performing an unexpected duty. As the run was about to get underway, it was realised that the defibrillator needed to be out on the course. So, quick-thinking Matthew Herring strapped it to his back and set off with the rest of us to deliver the defib to its station. That’s one way of getting an extra workout!



But the best way to benefit from parkrun is simply to do it as often as you can. And if parkrun doesn’t bring well-being and relief, there are, as we saw today, plenty of kind and caring organisations that offer help. These include Swindon Mind, Second Step, Best Mates, Ian’s Wander Walks, Kelly Foundation, Ipsum and A Worthy Hangout.


Till we meet again at Lydiard parkrun on Saturday 23rd May, keep well, keep moving, and keep the love and kindness flowing.



Matt Holland

[email protected]

16/05/2026

A massive thanks to Mind, Ipsum, Kelly Foundation, Second Step,
A worthy Hangout, Best Mates, Iain’s Wander walks
Who attended todays Lydiard parkrun Mental health awareness event and provided information on support and activities available locally.

Links to each of the attendees below
https://www.sgmind.org.uk
https://www.ipsum.care
https://4kelly.org/index.html
https://www.second-step.co.uk
https://aworthyhangout.co.uk
https://bestmates.org
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576422840699

Thank you to everyone who took time to engage, hopefully this will help break down the stigma surrounding mental health, we don't judge when someone pulls a calf or pings a hamstring through overload, so why is there stigma when someone is suffering from mental overload.


6000 people take there own life every year in the UK
Males account for 75% of su***des
Male su***des are highest in 50 to 54 year olds
and for females its 45 to 49 year olds
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England
About 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 in England have a probable mental health problem
• 1 in 4 people have suicidal thoughts
• 1 in 10 people self harm
• 1 in 13 people attempt su***de

The statistics speak for themselves, but we can make a difference,,, yes YOU can make a difference ,,,
if you are struggling speak to someone
Remember it's OK not to be OK,
Talk about mental health break down the stigma surrounding it especially men
ask someone if they are OK,,,, like, really OK

So why not Text a friend you haven't spoken to for a while and say hi,,, how are you

Don't be ignorant, understand mental health

15/05/2026

Bit of a last minute request.

We need a couple of marshalls tomorrow (16/5). If you can help out, please drop us an email at [email protected]

Thanks for your assistance.

No requirement to shout "EXTERMINATE!"

14/05/2026

Saturday 16th May we are holding a mental health awareness event, a number of organisations will be attending promoting positive mental health, breaking down stigma surrounding mental health and offering numerous ways to find that 'happy place'.
Have a chat with them, a few words really could save someones life.

Not convinced,
Ask 20-year-old Jonny Benjamin who in 2008 was stood on the edge of Waterloo Bridge in London intending to jump. Neil Laybourn a total stranger, who just happened to be passing, stopped and talked with Jonny, offering empathy and hope, telling him "it'll get better".
Years later, Jonny launched a public campaign to find and thank "The Stranger on the Bridge," resulting in an emotional reunion. They remain friends and advocates for mental health.

You really can make a difference, just think what would have happened had Neil just kept on walking.he