Kenny is celebrating as Leamington parkrun brings up its century in style

Last Saturday saw Leamington parkrun’s 100th event and to mark the centenary, runners dressed in green, brought along cake and ran the course in reverse.
Ryan Kenny, far right, leads off runners in the 100th edition of the Leamington parkrun at Newbold Comyn last Saturday.
MHLC-16-03-13 Parkrun 100 Mar67Ryan Kenny, far right, leads off runners in the 100th edition of the Leamington parkrun at Newbold Comyn last Saturday.
MHLC-16-03-13 Parkrun 100 Mar67
Ryan Kenny, far right, leads off runners in the 100th edition of the Leamington parkrun at Newbold Comyn last Saturday. MHLC-16-03-13 Parkrun 100 Mar67

The free 5k timed run takes place every Saturday morning at 9am starting from the Newbold Comyn football pavilion and among the 256 runners taking part this week was Parkrun UK country manager Tom Williams.

“The parkrun events generate a strong sense of community and we are delighted to see that there is no exception here at Leamington,” said Williams.

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“The event can only take place thanks to the generosity of our hundreds of volunteers and we are really grateful to have so many volunteers here at Leamington and throughout the country to help keep our events going.”

Barbara Gunter, one of the Leamington event directors, said: “We are really lucky to have a wonderful group of volunteers and runners, which make turning up to run on a Saturday morning a lovely way to start the weekend.

“We are really pleased with the spectacular growth in the attendance over the past two years and today’s celebration really demonstrated what we have been able to achieve.”

Leamington-based Ryan Kenny (Coventry Godiva) won the 100th event in a time of 17:07 as he tested out the course for the forthcoming Regency 10k which he has won for the past two years.

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Elaine Sherwin (Canix) was the leading lady and second over the line in 18:20, with Leamington C&AC youngster George Loveday finishing third in 18:54 .

Clive Pearce was the first of ten Kenilworth Runners to cross the line, coming home 28th in 21:29.

Other Kenilworth Runners finishers: 75, Stephen Payne (24:03); 77, Barry Elkington (24:08); 103, Michael Crust (25:43); 106, Katherine Gwynn (25:48); 115, Tom Dable (26:14); 157, Mandy Crust (28:20); 158, Pauline Dable (28:22); 202, Lynda Morris (31:17); 217, Marie Taylor (33:23).