Video summary
After taking a two-week break following events at UTMB Arc of Attrition and Birmingham, the runner returns to parkrun in Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire, despite facing challenging weather conditions with cold wind and rain. The event is well-attended even on this difficult morning, though the narrow seafront path forces many participants onto the beach due to space constraints. Although still recovering from an injury, the athlete decides not to push for a fast pace but rather aims to enjoy returning to running after their absence, setting realistic goals while navigating the crowded and tight course layout where runners quickly encounter oncoming traffic.
As the race progresses through its various stages, including wading through puddles at the start and later transitioning onto shingle paths that require slowing down, the runner maintains a steady effort against the elements. A brief moment of respite occurs when the sun breaks through to reveal a rainbow over the nearby Isle of Wight, boosting morale before the final kilometer approaches. The athlete initially targets finishing under 27 minutes but acknowledges the physical toll as fatigue sets in during the last stretch, ultimately crossing the finish line with significant effort from volunteers who help push them across the remaining distance.
The official time recorded is just over 26 minutes and eight seconds, placing the runner at position 130 for that day alongside their companion Elsa, whose personal best was also surpassed by this performance. This event marks a milestone in the runner's journey toward completing their 300th parkrun, bringing them very close to achieving that major goal soon. The experience highlights not only the competitive aspect of running but also the supportive community atmosphere where volunteers assist participants and encourage everyone regardless of their current fitness level or race goals.
Beyond the physical achievement, the video emphasizes the accessibility and friendliness of parkrun as an ideal entry point for those interested in volunteering within the running world. The narrator suggests that starting with events like this allows individuals to gain valuable experience organizing races before moving on to larger endurance challenges such as 50-mile or 100-mile runs. With only a few more events needed to reach their century mark, the runner expresses gratitude to viewers and encourages them to subscribe for future updates while looking forward to returning to the start line next time in this welcoming environment.
Read the full video transcript
After 2 weeks off at the UTMB Arc of
Attrition and the running show in
Birmingham, we have finally got back to
parkrun and we've come to
Lee-on-the-Solent,
which is Hampshire. The Isle of Wight is
[music] just across the bay there. So,
that's where we are. It's packed even
though it's really cold [music]
and windy and wet here this morning.
There are loads of people come to do
Lee-on-the-Solent.
>> [music]
>> So, I'm still injured, so we'll have to
see how we go. Not going to go too fast,
but going to enjoy it back at parkrun
after 2 weeks [music] off.
>> [music]
[music]
>> Good morning, everybody, and welcome to
Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun number 498.
[music]
3
2 1
>> [music]
>> go.
>> As we go on the Lee-on-the-Solent
parkrun, immediately into some
puddles. [music] The seafront isn't wide
enough for everyone to start on the
the path, so loads of people are on the
beach.
>> [music]
>> That's our first kilometer done. 5
minutes 25 seconds
for 1K.
And on we go. [music]
It's quite narrow, it's quite crowded.
But, it seems [music] to be
kind of stretching out a bit now, so
it's not too bad.
It's really narrow and now runners are
coming back the other [music] way.
So, I think if you need a fast time, you
need to be at the front.
>> [music]
>> That was our first buggy.
And here's the turnaround.
Not quite at 2K yet.
Thank you.
>> [music]
>> Okay, we're in behind us now.
But yeah, not [music] even 2K yet.
Okay, that's 2 km. 5:24 for that
kilometer. So, almost the same as the
first one.
>> [music]
>> I've been given a coat to hold.
>> [music]
>> Oh, we've got a little rainbow over the
Isle of Wight.
>> [music]
>> So, we've sped up a bit for kilometer
three. That was a 5:09.
Two to go.
So, uh
we're on for under 27 minutes.
If we can [music] keep it up.
So, we're passing the finishing shoot.
First runner has just [music] gone in
in 17:30.
And we still got kilometer and a half to
go.
What's your name?
>> Steve.
>> Nice to meet you, mate. Nice to meet
you. And the sun's come out.
Gorgeous.
>> [music]
>> Right, it looks like we're going onto
the shingle here.
So, we might slow DOWN A BIT.
>> [music]
>> LOOKS LIKE ELLIS IS REALLY PUSHING
HIMSELF TODAY.
5 minutes and 3 seconds for kilometer
four.
One to go now. Elsa's tired,
>> [music]
>> but
we're still on for under 27.
Coming up to the final turnaround
to head back
to the finish.
Thank you very much.
>> [music]
>> Back into the wind.
>> [music]
>> We're working hard now to get Elsa in.
She's doing really well.
Last 100 m now.
>> [music]
>> And this is what you get.
22:02 for Elsa.
>> Well done.
>> Thank you.
Position 130 for me, 129 for Elsa,
and we did
just over 26 minutes. We were kind of
going for
under 27, [music]
and I'm just waiting for it to scroll
round,
but we definitely got
26:08. [music]
26:08.
Not bad at all. That would have beaten
Elsa's previous PB.
Thank you. Where's the big pots for
these?
Oh, okay. Thank you.
>> [music]
>> What do I always say?
Make sure you give your token
back at the end, so they've got some
pots on tables here that we put them in.
So, I'm 130, so it goes
in
the 130 [music] pot.
>> [music]
[music]
>> I know she say hard hard faces here
today.
So uh
It's always nice [music] to see uh faces
out helping runners along to achieve the
times that they want.
If you do want to volunteer for parkrun,
that would be a great way to start
volunteering at running races. Because
parkrun is so friendly,
>> [music]
>> it's so accessible, and um you know, if
you volunteer,
>> [music]
>> you get a real flavor of what it's like
to be part of organizing a race. And uh
then you can move on and and go and
volunteer at bigger races, 50-milers,
100-milers, where it's uh a bit more
crazy.
Uh really [music] enjoyed that today.
Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire. Never done
it before. That was [music] my 297th
parkrun. Well, 298th unofficially, 297th
officially.
>> [music]
>> So, I'm getting close to 300 now. Don't
know where I'll do my 300th, but thank
you very much for watching. Uh take
care, and do subscribe to the channel if
you haven't done already. Appreciate you
[music] watching right to the end. That
really helps out the YouTube gods, and
uh I'll see you on the start line next
time. Bye-bye.