Old Deer Park parkrun - event 696

On the 12th July 2025 I ran the Old Deer Park parkrun which was the 696th event held at the venue, my 244th parkrun and 162nd different course I'd attended.

I had previously arranged to visit Old Deer Park a couple of weeks back, but instead ended up at Reigate Priory. On the Old Deer Park Facebook group it stated that the course would be using its alternative route and so knowing what I knew about the original course I wasn't sure whether the alternative route would be an upgrade or not.

Three laps, all on grass around the perimeter of some rugby pitches doesn't scream out and enjoyable run. But I should know by now not to judge a book by it's cover and that facebook comments/reviews are entirely subjective.

Another factor, often overlooked when visiting particular parkrun venues is the weather conditions. On Saturday we were at the prakmof a third summer heatwave. The grass was yellow like straw and the dirt on the ground was dusty like a fine powder. 

Worse still was an extreme lack.of shade. Aside from a short stretch on the first corner and another on the second tree cover was incredibly limited. On days like these you could benefit from a trail run through the woods, or along a wind assisted coastline. But even wind was in short supply.

The course, incredibly simple, almost rectangular shaped with the bottom left hand side stepped inwards. Ran in a clockwise direction and as previously stated all on grass. With the conditions as they were, it felt like a road course such was the ground being baked as hard as it had been.

I do actually like a three lap course, as the first lap is always over relatively quickly and then before you know it the second one has come around again. Psychologically in my head I'm thinking after the second one that the third should be a doddle.

As it was so hot and the temperature was so high there was absolutely no rush on my behalf

I came home in 99th place out of a field of 183 participants in a time of 30:27. I was just 7 seconds slower than last week at Battersea which was an extended time on account of my pee stop on my second lap. I might be running slower this year to date, but at least I am consistent!

This also brings my London events total up to 58, out of 65. I've got a few weeks coming up now with some out of London venues to coincide with family travels and my birthday. Another London venue planned for a couple of weeks time and a trip up north to start to football season off with.

And then a big milestone... 250!