I have run 10 x Basingstoke parkrun and reduced my time from 24 mins + in July last year to 20:36 in May 2011. I have also volunteered 3 x.

The 2-and-a-bit lap course is an undulating mixture of tarmac path 75% and grassy playing field 25%. The undulations are challenging but not impossible as the "elite" runners can still finish in 17 mins or so. In dry conditions there would be faster parkrun tracks for sure.......

Atmosphere good and now c 150+ attendance each week.

I've never been a huge fan of parkrun but its undoubtedly one of the biggest changes in the running scene for many years. I want to get feel for members parkrun experiences good or bad, excellent or indifferent.

Having said i'm not a great fan, mainly because of the early start, I have mangaged to run 25 parkruns since 2004 and in 6 different locations, and (mostly) enjoyed them.

Blow the trumpet for your local parkrun. What is your local parkrun like? Which is your favourite? Like or loathe I'd love to know! Maybe the next newletter can supply a list of the best, flattest, friendliest, most pictureseque or fastest, most laps, most twisty, most muddy or hilliest?

What about your personal experiences? Is it pb friendly....i could go on but i'll stop here. Over to you!