Floods Disrupt Parkruns As Runners Shine Elsewhere

Parkrun fever swept across the UK and Australia last weekend, with runners, joggers, and walkers braving everything from chilly mornings to unexpected floods. While some communities celebrated record turnouts and personal bests, others faced disappointment as heavy rains forced cancellations. From the scenic esplanades of Lakes Entrance to the waterlogged fields of Oxfordshire, the parkrun spirit was on full display—no matter the weather.

At Lakes Entrance in Australia, 133 eager participants gathered early on Saturday, January 10, 2026, to take on the picturesque five-kilometre course along the esplanade. The event, which kicks off at 8 am every Saturday, drew runners from 14 different clubs, including Lakes and District Runners, Knox Triathlon Club, and Traralgon Harriers. The cool weather was a welcome change, and the energy was palpable as first-timers mingled with seasoned regulars.

Teenager Archer Thorne made an immediate impact, leading the field in his debut with a blistering time of 17 minutes and 52 seconds. Not to be outdone, Mikhaila Bromwich clocked a personal best of 20:44 to become the first female finisher. The event was a celebration of both speed and perseverance, with 47 newcomers and 14 personal bests lighting up the results sheet. Among those smashing their own records were Toby Smith (19:58), Bryce Martin (20:28), and Melissa Eastwood (30:56), showing that parkrun is as much about individual progress as it is about competition.

Meanwhile, in Norfolk, the Sheringham parkrun marked its 601st event with 131 participants weaving through the rolling paths of Sheringham Park. Isaac Skivington of North Norfolk Harriers AC surged to the front, finishing in 18:28. Alex Bennett and Peter Skivington were hot on his heels, clocking 18:46 and 18:48 respectively. The women’s field was led by Emilia Farnell, also of North Norfolk Harriers AC, who finished eighth overall with a time of 21:00. Saffron Howell and Katie Woods rounded out the top three women. The event’s smooth operation was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, whose efforts were warmly acknowledged by organizers.

Brandon Country Park also saw a strong turnout, with 183 participants taking part in the 608th event at Bury Road. Steven Cannell blazed through the course in 17:48 to take the top spot, followed by Matt Thomas of Halstead RRC (18:51) and Terry Baker (19:39). Among the women, Stacey Daniele Mockford of Saint Edmund Pacers led the pack with a time of 21:53. Eloise R Stradling (22:16) and Nicola Rymell (24:07) completed the women’s podium. Volunteers, as always, played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success, with special thanks extended to Stuart Atling, Stephen Clabburn, and the rest of the support crew.

In the smaller but equally spirited Swaffham parkrun, 40 participants gathered at The Nicholas Hamond Academy Sports Fields. Luke Till of Ryston Runners AC was the fastest male, completing the course in 21:34, while Gemma Asplen led the women with a time of 26:56. The event’s family-friendly atmosphere was made possible by volunteers like Linda Ballard and Sarah Lake, who cheered participants every step of the way.

Across the county at Harleston Magpies Hockey Club, 91 runners took part in the 220th Harleston Magpies parkrun. Joe Garwood was the day’s fastest finisher at 20:10, with Mark Roome (20:39) and Lewis Flatt (21:07) close behind. Laura Ward led the women’s field, finishing in 24:06, followed by Katherine Saunders and Danielle Drake. The event highlighted the importance of volunteer support, with a roster including Harriet Austin, Don Bennett, and Lindsay Black helping everything run smoothly.

But not every parkrun story was about fast times and personal bests. In Oxfordshire, the weather delivered a harsh blow as heavy rains and flooding forced the cancellation of two popular events. Both the Witney and Bicester parkruns were called off for Saturday, January 17, after waterlogged fields and burst banks left courses unsafe. A spokesperson for Bicester Parkrun explained, “The brook has burst its banks and the whole fields are currently under water.” Over at West Witney Sports and Social Club, organizers echoed the sentiment: “Sorry all, West Witney is waterlogged and unsafe. With a strong chance of overnight rain, there’s little chance that the ground will dry out before 9am tomorrow.”

These cancellations served as a stark reminder of the challenges that outdoor community events can face, especially during unpredictable winter weather. Organizers urged runners to check the national parkrun website for the latest updates before traveling, with the hope that drier, frostier conditions would allow for a swift return to normal schedules. The disappointment was palpable, but so was the resilience—many runners were already plotting alternative routes or planning to volunteer at unaffected events.

Despite the setbacks in Oxfordshire, the parkrun movement’s trademark camaraderie and inclusivity were on display everywhere else. From the elite club runners setting the pace at Lakes Entrance and Sheringham to the first-timers nervously pinning on their barcodes at Swaffham, every participant contributed to the unique sense of community that defines parkrun. The diversity of clubs represented—from Running Mums Australia to Norwich Road Runners—underscored the event’s broad appeal and enduring popularity.

Volunteers, too, were the unsung heroes of the weekend. Whether handing out finish tokens, marshalling tricky corners, or scanning barcodes in the drizzle, their commitment kept the events running smoothly. Organizers at every venue made a point of thanking them by name, recognizing the vital role they play in creating a safe, welcoming environment for all.

Looking ahead, parkrun enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on the weather and the national cancellation list. With the hope of clearer skies and firmer ground, many are already planning their next Saturday morning outing—whether to chase a new personal best, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a sunrise run. For now, the parkrun community remains as strong and spirited as ever, proving once again that come rain, shine, or even flood, the love of running—together—always finds a way.