‘First Timers Briefing at a New parkrun.’

One of the problems about Saturday morning parkruns during the winter in Scotland is that you're never sure if your chosen one won't be cancelled. The main hazard is not so much because of snow but because of ice. Often the decision is taken the night before, but in many cases, the final decision is not made until a final course inspection early the following day, often communicated (through social media) just an hour or so before the event is due to start

This was the situation today. Edinburgh parkrun had already cancelled yesterday evening, but several others, within an hour or so drive, said they'd announce any cancellations early today. We were going to do some planning! 

Fortunately, one on our list announced that they were definitely’on’ in good time - before 8 o'clock - so that was it!

This parkrun only started two weeks ago. It's in Auldcathie Park, in Winchburgh West Lothian, just 25 minutes drive away. The park had been built on the reclaimed land of a former landfill site and mining works and is part of a major ongoing local redevelopment opened just two years ago, which also includes around 3500 new houses and a new community campus - including new schools and a recreational and sporting hub for the Winchburgh community.

One specific feature of the hub is a 5k loop course designed for parkrun. It's a brilliant parkrun,  volunteers had cleared all the paths, and there were super enthusiastic marshals at every turn cheering you on. And when you'd finished, there was a coffee shack just a few feet away!