HARLOW Running and Tri Club is thrilled to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Harlow Park Run, a significant event in our community. More than just a weekly event, it brings together runners and walkers of all levels while also creating a friendly environment.

A spokesperson said: “Over the years, our club members have run, volunteered as marshals and pacers to assist participants in achieving their goals while also making everyone feel welcome. Many of our members have also worked as race directors, helping to ensure the Park Run runs smoothly and were crucial to the planning and organisation of the trial events and the first actual Harlow Park Run itself.

“We enjoy wearing our club vests and celebrate milestones with unique fancy dress themes that make our runs more exciting. Harlow Park Run is a gathering place for the running community to share stories and support one another.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are grateful for the relationships we’ve formed and the strong community spirit that Harlow Park Run embodies. Here’s to more years of running together!

“Here are some of our stories.”

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TJ Rowlands 

I never knew what I was missing until I joined Harlow Running & Tri Club! Back in June 2023, I was encouraged to check out the Park Run at Town Park on Saturday mornings, and that was the end of my Saturday lay-ins! 😄

From my very first run, I loved the vibe at Harlow Park Run. It’s amazing how many familiar faces you see—there’s always a friendly “hi,” a “well done,” “alight” or wave or nod as you run by. 🏃‍♂️💨

The best part of Park Run for me is that it’s become a special bonding time with my teenage son. After taking him along to my third Park Run, we now have our regular father-son Saturday tradition! And currently on a mission to explore as many Park Runs as we can (this is called Park Run tourism!).

He’s gotten so fast now tho that I only catch a glimpse of him at the start and then again at the finish, but seeing him so excited and happy after each run is what it’s all about!

A huge shoutout to HRTC and Park Run for creating such a wonderful community. Here’s to more runs and memories together!

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Rob Peters

‘I’m on my 80th park run and this lead on from joining Harlow running club ,which I joined initially to meet people being I had just moved into the area.

I have made some really good friends since joining the club and continue to do so. Like Gary has mentioned Park run is so good for your mental health and keeping fit, not to mention the social side of the club too, pub crawls parties etc! All round positive experience

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Martyn Coulter

I nervously first attempted parkrun in March 2015. Completely new to running. Did go to the gym fairly regularly but couldn’t make it work. I didn’t have the motivation.

Parkrun was the start to helping me lose over 30kg. Built confidence in running outside, talking to others, volunteering and ways to be motivated to keep it up and try to improve.

Learnt about the running club and things took off from there. Completely transformed my life and control of type 1 diabetes.

“Now I can’t imagine a Saturday without one, or finding a local one if away…!

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Andrew Terrell

I can’t think of our weekends without it. It opens up the running community to so many people young & old and has been the starting block for many running weight loss & mental health journeys.

“I am so proud of our club’s involvement in setting it up.

“Thank you Harlow parkrun for making a positive impact on my life.”

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Steve Wright

I attended the first Harlow Parkrun very nervously after just completing the couch to 5k app.
I soon realised what a fantastic event parkrun was and the encouragement and support from everyone is amazing.

It has become a family affair now with my wife and daughter also attending most weeks if we miss our breakfast at Spurriers our weekend is not the same.

I have met so many friends through parkrun which gave me the confidence to join this fantastic running and tri club and has been the stepping stone for me to run all distances from 5k to Marathon.

I have now been part of the core team for 5 years and have also been one of the RD,s for 2 years which I absolutely love.

“Bring on the next 10 years!”

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Nick Burnage

I’ve just completed 200 parkruns. 196 at Harlow. It is the most fantastic event. I regularly recommend it to anyone who wants to start running (at whatever level). The camaraderie every Saturday morning has to be experienced to be believed.

Parkrun is good for the body but more importantly these days good for the mind.

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Ryan Smith

Harlow parkrun had been going for around three months when my wife told me about it.

I hadn’t run for years and really didn’t know what to expect. Within a few months I was hooked.

A year later i joined Harlow Running Club after chatting with people after parkrun.

“Through parkrun, I really have met some fantastic people and look forward to Saturday mornings for the next ten years.

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Gary Mead 

Only been doing parkrun for nine years so wasn’t at the 1st Harlow parkrun .

The nine years I’ve been doing parkrun has been a lifesaver for my mental health. I’ve met regular people every Saturday and most I can call really good friends now!

I got engaged at Harlow PR to my now Wife Debbie Mead ❤️

So every Saturday has different memories it keeps you fit and is a bloody good laugh (unless it’s raining)😂