Many orienteers find Parkrun a good way to improve their running between controls.
Longrun Meadow Parkrun started after Ruth Holmes, daughter of valued member of QO, Dave Holmes, suggested Taunton needed to use the new Country Park as a venue. The group photo was taken in front of the Oak that was planted in his memory which has this plaque at it’s base.
Dave Bullock (SASP) took up the challenge after observing the Montacute Parkrun and several members of QO attended the inaugural event on 5th October 2013.
On Saturday, 30th November 2024 about 20 members, past and present, joined the 415 others to celebrate the 500th run. A drone was used to record the start which can be seen on the link: https://fb.watch/wbTYquc3mV/
Ollie Rant lead the QO group with Finley Goddard, Robert Fieldhouse, and Richard Sansbury in the top 50. Conditions were more suited to Orienteers than road runners! At the other end of the results John Fisher and Roger Craddock challenged themselves to arrive back from the 5km run in time for Roger’s birthday cake - he was also celebrating his 100th Parkrun.
The occasion was a good opportunity to bring together QO members at a social occasion as well as providing some aerobic exercise. We also attracted some attention from onlookers who were interested in joining the club.
QO results can be found at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/longrunmeadow/results/latestresults/ apart from those who have not yet registered as QO members with Parkrun:
25 Finley Goddard 20.44
96 Brian Pearson 24.29
216 Vicky Fieldhouse 29.53
238 Linda Mudd 30.53
317 Jana Truby 33.52
384 Neil Truby 38.34
409 Sarah Hasler 39.00