Text and pics contributed by Christina.
This felt like a chilly and wet morning for a late April weekend, but that did not stop our group of Parkrun enthusiasts within the IOG from taking part in the run at Alton Water, a man-made reservoir on the Shotley peninsular. It is by far the largest reservoir in Suffolk with a perimeter of over 13 km.
Participants run or walk the 5 km route, depending on ability, while others take on volunteering roles, as marshals, tail walkers, scanners, time keepers, token collectors, etc. There is no expectation to compete against anybody, the emphasis is on having fun – and now and then indulging in a cooked breakfast afterwards!
On this occasion, I completed my 18th Parkrun as an officially registered participant. The route was gently undulating and soft underfoot. It led past a field of long-horned cows, best not to mess with those!
The marked path then went through a wood and along the edge of the water before leading up a small hill back to the start. It is probably my favourite local Parkrun location because the route is so varied and it offers attractive views of the reservoir and the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook.
