In the latest in our Series on the ever-popular parkruns across Suffolk and North-East Essex, we focus on the seaside event at Felixstowe which attracts big fields

East Anglian Daily Times: Philippa Unthank, left, on her way to third overall and the leading female at Saturday's Felixstowe parkrun. Picture: IAN RAFFERTY/FELIXSTOWE PARKRUN FACEBOOKPhilippa Unthank, left, on her way to third overall and the leading female at Saturday's Felixstowe parkrun. Picture: IAN RAFFERTY/FELIXSTOWE PARKRUN FACEBOOK (Image: Archant)

Philippa Unthank was the first female finisher for the 15th time at the weekly Felixstowe parkrun, held on the promenade on Saturday morning.

The Ipswich Harriers’ teenager (15-17 year-old age group) was third overall in a time of 18mins 27secs, a little adrift of her personal best of 18:00 for the five-kilometre event.

Gemma Sheppard was the second female finisher in 23:30, while Felixstowe Road Runnners’ teenager Ellie Mellor Hine was third with 23:49.

Benjamin Johnson led home a field of 278, at what was the 56th staging of this popular event, in 18:15. It was his first visit to Felixstowe, but his 56th parkrun.

East Anglian Daily Times: A field of 278 enjoyed the latest Felixstowe parkrun, held on the promenade. Picture: IAN RAFFERTY/FELIXSTOWE PARKRUN FACEBOOKA field of 278 enjoyed the latest Felixstowe parkrun, held on the promenade. Picture: IAN RAFFERTY/FELIXSTOWE PARKRUN FACEBOOK (Image: Archant)

Darren Sheppard (Framlingham Flyers) was second in 18:19.

Field sizes fluctuate quite a lot at Felixstowe, often determined by the weather, since it was first established in April of last year. Only twice have numbers dipped under three figures, while a record 671 attended the New Year’s Day event.

East Anglian Daily Times: Runners taking on the flat 5K course at the 56th Felixstowe parkrun on Saturday morning. Picture: IAN RAFFERTY/FELIXSTOWE PARKRUN FACEBOOKRunners taking on the flat 5K course at the 56th Felixstowe parkrun on Saturday morning. Picture: IAN RAFFERTY/FELIXSTOWE PARKRUN FACEBOOK (Image: Archant)