07/08/2026
Thanks to Laura Crossan for today's run report:
What a chilly but fantastic morning for Gordon Spratt Reserve Parkrun #159
With the temperature hovering just above freezing, the local grass was sporting a lovely coat of hoarfrost or, as we like to call it, nature's way of encouraging a brand-new personal best just to stay warm. Despite the frosty start, 124 participants laced up to run, jog, and walk the course.
The Podium & Top Performances
Male: Kunaal Rajpal led the pack across the line with a sharp time of 18:25. He also scored the highest age-grade performance of the day at a cracking 75.2%! Matt Parsonage (18:52) and Roy Sparey (19:34) rounded out the top three.
Female: Indie Gillum was the first female home in an impressive 22:39, with Laura Crossan (23:42) and Serena Su (26:01) following close behind.
Welcome to the Parkrun Family & Visitors A huge, warm welcome to our parkrun debutants—Rajiv Rajpal, Jason Armishaw, Reishma Rajpal, Troy Glasgow, Lauren Watson, and Lynne Avery all completed their very first parkrun! On the other side of the spectrum was our very own Syd Sutton completing his 312th run.
We were also thrilled to welcome several first-timers and visitors who braved the cold, including Parkrun tourists dropping in from Auckland, Rotorua, and all the way from England.
Volunteers: A massive high-five to the 14 hi-vis heroes who stood out in the cold so the rest of us could run:
Dominic Dumée (Run Director), Melissa Calkin, Wendy Dumée, Rich Aveyard, Sarsha Healey, Yvette Campbell, Margaret Campbell, Aidan Crossman, Hayley Crossman, Jenna Stringer, Annalie Viljoen, Gail Drennan, Jim Reid, and Elizabeth Vialoux.
Stay warm, thaw out those toes, and we’ll see you all next Saturday at the reserve!
