It really isn't a long way for a 5K!

“It’s never a long way for a 5k!” Airey Airways’ motto couldn’t have been more true. Most of the 39 “Elite Athletes” came by the two minibuses organised by Andy, starting from Chipping Sodbury and collecting at different points en route to Folkestone. I personally set off at 7.40 am for a pick up at 10 am. The Shuttle crossing was seamless and enjoyable and Andy’s driving skills brought us to a pizzeria for 9.30pm and subsequently at our hotel around midnight. Some of us landed at Schipol and battled through the customs to catch the last train to Hoogeveen.

Parkrun Day and we left at 7.30 am arriving 40 min later to the much convoted Zuiderpark Hoogeveen parkrun. For 5 of us, Zuiderpark Hoogeveen meant the end of our first alphabet and in my case, also the end of my first volunteer alphabet.We were welcomed by the RD / Evenementleider of the day, Steven van Andel who worked closely with Andy for a fantastic morning.

Some of us volunteered as well, bringing the volunteer numbers to 15 (a record so far) with the help of friendly core team members. Some were marshalling in family and were giving much appreciated hi-5s (Gijs and Wendy Bolhuis).

After some group photos of the Andy Airey’s Elite Athletes and of the Alphabeteer (ranging from their first to seventh alphabet), we listened to Steven’s welcoming speech; we were highly impressed with his skills of switching seamlessly from Dutch to English. I had the opportunity to speak to a brand new local parkrunner, Han Valk who brought his sons Bram and Joris and who was wondering why we chose this parkrun.

The course was well described as a paper clip shape and was flat so perfect for tired parkrunners! The park itself has different features such as some sculptures, swings and a big hotel and the long stretch followed a dyke. Marshals were very friendly and encouraging and after crossing the finish line, we gathered around the table for a welcomed hot drink and bites (we were running on empty stomach). We brought Cadbury’s Cream Eggs and were delighted to sample the different size of stroopwafels, I’ve been told from reliable source -one of the wonderful core team volunteers- that the big sized waffles or 'knieperties' were home made by one of the scanners. Well they hit the spot!

Some of us started to walk to the showers however that didn’t go to plan so we all boarded the minibuses direction De Beren for a lovely parkfaff. Quick service, friendly and efficient staff, and tasty food were perfect before our long journey back.Fast forward to the “Calais Carnage” with total disorganisation from the authorities resulting of us missing our ferry, we finally made it home between roughly midnight to 3am.

Numbers:81 people participated in this 5th edition; which is a course record (64 on the inaugural).15 volunteers made it happened (largest number of volunteers so far).52 participants were first timers including 13 brand new parkrunners:Arno Katerberg, Michel Gort, Bram, Joris and Han Valk, Kristiaan Kroon, Marian Oldenkamp, Teun and Jarko Bolhuis, Manuela Kok-Van Den Hof, Paul and William Kruger,  Janine Van Der Meer.We hope you enjoyed today’s experience and will come back next week. 2 were recorded as unknow participants. 13 people were eager to grab some chocolate eggs and waffles as they recorded their PB.Random PBs:Ina Van Den Beeg in 53:03;Martje Van Dalen in 37:17;Ron Martens in 34:13;Richard Koehosrt in 32:52;Anouk Vos in 28:51.

Congratulations to Rob Van De Graaf set a new course record in 18:55.

Congratulations as well to Michelle Finnigan got a whole time PB in 32:01.Grace Dorsey, age 19, was the youngest of our group whilst Avis Noott was our most senior, aged 85.

5 first Alphabeteers: Mark Watts;Avis Noott;Ray Dorsey Campbell;Frankie Downes;Nadege Rutter (with also first Volunteer Alphabet).

Other achievements: Emma Sprocket became a Volunteer of all Trades being our photographer. Finally, for some of us, it was our first parkrun outside the UK.

On behalf of all our group, I would like to thank all the Zuiderpark Hoogeveen core team for their organisation, efficiency and friendliness to have hosted such a large group on only their 5th event. Thank you as well to all the locals who welcomed us in their park.Finally, thank you to Andy to have organised this fantastic trip and driven Thunderbird 1 as well as Mike, our driver for Thunderbird 2.