If you took part in the Mount Edgcumbe parkrun at the start of April, you may have noticed an unusually large number of people wearing orange. These folks were in fact, the Plymouth Coastal Runners (PCR), an 800 strong running group that operate on a ‘run when you want’ basis using Strava and also organise social meet ups like this one for you to meet your fellow running buddies.
What makes this group extra special is that they give back to the Trail they run on, raising over £1,800 to date for the South West Coast Path Association through sales of their unmissable orange t-shirts. The group has been involved with the Mount Edgcumbe parkrun since it was first created, helping to test run the course (literally!). We caught up with runner Daniel Clewley to find out more about their ‘takeover’ last month.
“On the 6th of April the volunteer roster was looking full, the 08:15 Cremyll ferry was packed and there were an unusually large number of runners wearing orange t-shirts. The reason: Plymouth Coastal Runners were taking over parkrun and going for a social run on the Rame Peninsular after.
After the short ferry ride and walk up to the house, Jon Anderson (Race Directing for the first time) set about organising the volunteers and handing out high vis jackets. After a gentle jog down the hill to warm up and run briefing at 9:00 we were off. For 22 new parkrunners or visitors it would be the first time they tackled the famous uphill start to the course carried up with the promise of good views and at least some downhill sections.
When the tail walker crossed the line and the course was packed up, we headed into Stables café for coffee. In total there were 77 finishers, for at least 7 of these* this was their first parkrun, hopefully the first of many. Twelve people achieved PBs (including myself). Hans Thomson celebrated his 100th run, achieving an age graded score of 70.01 %. There were 14 PCR volunteers who made the event possible: Jon Anderson (first time RD), Rachael Meek, Hollie Baxter, Kieran Woodward, Ian Chilcott, Charmaine Marshall, Brian Burden, Kieran Woodward, Mandy Anderson, Fiona Bridge, Jo Burt, Eric Crayford, Jackie Day, Marion Moxhay and Nic Munday.
After the obligatory group photos, 17 of us set off over the Deer park to join the South West Coast Path. Half of the group were running to Cawsand and back (approximately 6 miles) the rest were running out to Rame Head before returning (approximately 12 miles). For the group doing the longer route, the clear sky meant that our destination of Rame Head Chapel was visible from miles away. A steep climb up to the chapel provided stunning views and yet another photo opportunity before we retraced our steps back to Mount Edgcumbe.
After a lovely morning of running we regrouped in the Edgcumbe Arms to end to rehydrate, refuel and plan the next adventure on the South West Coast Path.”
If you’re interested in taking part in the next Mount Edgcumbe parkrun click here to visit the website which has all the details. You can also check out the Plymouth Coastal Runner’s Facebook Group and who know, maybe you too will be wearing orange soon!
The South West Coast Path 