Speed and spirit shone through at the latest Lynn parkrun, where Shaun Mann’s blistering pace from the start saw him finish first with a new personal best of 16:51.
His performance also earned him top spot in the age grading with an impressive 89.71%, narrowly ahead of parkrun regular Pauline Sparrow, who recorded 89.37%.
Dawn Robinson was the first female across the line, clocking in at 20:49 in another strong run.
A damp but refreshing start greeted the 320 participants who laced up for the 662nd event.
The change in weather from recent blue skies didn’t dampen spirits, as runners turned out in force for the special Love West Norfolk edition of the free weekly 5k.
Despite ominous forecasts of thunderstorms, runners stayed resolute.
Only one brand new parkrunner joined the field this week, along with 14 first-time visitors – perhaps a reflection of the cautious weather outlook.
Still, the 28 personal bests achieved were a highlight of the morning, particularly among the newer participants.
Impressively, 20 of those PBs came from runners with 12 or fewer parkruns under their belts, showcasing the motivation and encouragement that define the parkrun community.
In total, the runners collectively covered 1,600 kilometres, with an average participant age of 46.
From under-10s to over-60s, the event continues to bring together all generations in a celebration of fitness, community, and inclusivity.
Milestones were another cause for cheer, with Lesley Robins and Helen Thomas each completing their 50th parkrun, Stephen Bolt hitting his 100th, Laura Brown reaching 200, Nick Mackay celebrating his 250th, and John Bowen notching up an impressive 300 parkruns.
Behind the scenes, 23 dedicated volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly.
Lynn parkrun remains free and open to all, with registration available at www.parkrun.com/register
Newcomers are encouraged to arrive at The Walks Café by 8:45 am for a first-timer briefing.
