Lucca ParkRun
27th July 2019
As with many great worldwide sporting events, the original idea and concept began in the UK. ParkRun follows this history and, through the internet and use of social media, has developed into a global phenomenon with nearly 700 locations and counting throughout the world. A glance at their website parkrun.org.uk will explain its founding members, its origins, organisation and sponsorship. The first run took place several years ago in Bushey Park, part of Henry VIII’s old hunting grounds around Hampton Court Palace. Set at distance of 5 km, the run begins at 9am every Saturday morning, generally in rural/semi-rural pleasant surroundings.
There are now over sixteen venues throughout Italy, three in Tuscany, at Montecatini Terme, Florence and now my hometown Lucca that started during 2019. Partner Jan has completed nearly 100 runs mostly in and around Essex and encouraged me to join in, running the beautiful walls of Lucca.
Lucca ParkRun on the Walls
I started my first run on 27th July 2019 and immediately felt my fitness level, having not jogged for several years, was to be as I expected quite poor. The course starts close to the Baluardo Santa Maria and initially runs clockwise along the Via delle Mura Urbane to Baluardo San Paolino and around the monument dedicated to Alfredo Catalani, one of Lucca’s famous composers of opera. The course then turns anticlockwise passing the start and continues one complete lap of the wall which is approximately 4⅝km long.
LEFT: The joy of finishing RIGHT: Sense of achievement
Knowing the wall well, I knew how far it was to the finish and the effort needed to complete the run. I jogged at bit, walked a bit and then walked some more until I crossed the finish, cheered and encouraged by the volunteers. Your personal time is sent to you via email a couple of hours later and I had achieved a respectable time around 45 minutes.
Partner Jan will complete 100 runs by the end of 2019, with a personal best of 27mins, whilst I have completed 19 to date. My progress has been steady and have reduced my time to a PB of 37:48mins and running under 40mins five times. Clearly, the shared experience of ParkRun improves your level of fitness at whatever age you take up the challenge. It’s an incredibly worthwhile event that gives a sense of fellowship and achievement and I would recommend to all.