In our weekly look at the ever-popular parkruns across Suffolk and North-East Essex, we feature Saturday’s Harwich parkrun from Dovercourt Cliff Park

East Anglian Daily Times: Runners, joggers, walkers and dogs took part in the 134th staging of the Harwich parkrunRunners, joggers, walkers and dogs took part in the 134th staging of the Harwich parkrun (Image: Archant)

Sam Strike and Kiera-Jayne Atkinson were the first two home from a field of 98 at the 134th staging of the Harwich parkrun on Saturday, and it was a special day for junior Alexander McCreadie.

Strike covered the 5K distance, from Dovercourt Cliff Park, in 20mins 16secs, which was a little off his personal best of 19:43 for the promnade-based course.

Second home was junior athlete Atkinson, a member of Colchester & Tendring AC who is in the 11-14 year-old age group. She registered 20:33, though she has a PB of 19:07.

Meanwhile, McCreadie, another 11-14 year-old age-group member, chalked up his 100th parkrun on Saturday, a fine achievement. A total of 72 have been at Harwich, with 20 at Colchester Castle Park.

East Anglian Daily Times: The scenic backdrop of the Harwich parkrun last Saturday, which started from Dovercourt Cliff ParkThe scenic backdrop of the Harwich parkrun last Saturday, which started from Dovercourt Cliff Park (Image: Archant)

By contrast, the Tilley family – Harry, Richard, Poppy and Jayne – all completed their first-ever parkruns at Harwich, as did Jen Chenery.

Third home on Saturday was Cameron Mitchell (20:49), while Great Bentley RC’s Antoinette Wilson was second lady (24:42).

East Anglian Daily Times: Kiera-Jayne Atkinson on her way to second spot and the first female finisher at the Harwich parkrunKiera-Jayne Atkinson on her way to second spot and the first female finisher at the Harwich parkrun (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Runners negoiate a tight turn on the promenade, on an out-and-back courseRunners negoiate a tight turn on the promenade, on an out-and-back course (Image: Archant)