p is for parkrun: a journey from A-Z

by Eileen Jones

240 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[my.bookshelf.87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

To those who don't do parkruns, it's difficult to explain how it can become such an addictive pastime! I like the routine of it; every week is the same distance, starting time, set up, etc. The location and weather are the only variables, really. I would never have described myself as a morning person in the past, but nowadays, I like to set the alarm for an early run! It's good to be home by 10ish, feeling accomplished and ready for the day ahead. It does me a lot of good.

This is Eileen Jones' account of her mission to complete the parkrun alphabet (of which there are 25 letters, no 'x'). It was interesting to read about the variety of courses she'd completed. Some I had done myself, but most were new to me.

[Paula Hartharn-Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Eileen's yakenon her parkrun alphabet. Interesting to see her thoughts on ones I have done as well.

[Andrew Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a fellow parkrun tourist this is a delightful read.
So many places mentioned, and people I have met.
Not everyone’s cup of tea I expect, but I loved it

[Mark Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read for a parkrun enthusiast and now even keener to complete the alphabet challenge :)

[A G Hind · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book whether you’re a committed parkrunner or a novice interested in becoming one. Eileen opens the Pandora’s Box of “parkrun tourism” where parkrunners complete various challenges including the “Alphabet Challenge”. This is where you participate in a parkrun beginning with each letter of the alphabet (except X - no Xylophone Park or Xavier Park just yet!).

Instead of a book about a fairly esoteric challenge, we get a fantastic commentary on the parkrun community and it’s many and varied locations around the UK, Europe and beyond.

Reading between the lines, I feel that Eileen has got another book in her. Not about parkruns per se, but theatre trips she manages to shoehorn in to many of her weekend away visits to parkruns. Or maybe it’s the other way round - theatre trips are arranged, then you choose the nearest parkrun to your location? 😜

Very entertaining to read, as I said at the start you might do parkrun every week, or you might be interested in doing your first one. Either way, it’s 100% recommended.

[Rachel Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant tale of the authors alphabet journey.
I worked out I have done 26 of the parkruns she mentions in the book. ( She discusses her main 25 for the challenge, and then all the others she has done for each letter ). As her last book, it gives you a funny glow to hear her talk about ones you know and love ( Myrtle especially, also Southport, Fountains Abbey, Tawd Valley ) and gives you ideas for future touring ( Keswick, Old Deer Park stand out for me so far) . Thanks Eileen Jones
If you haven't read it then I recommend dropping hints for your Christmas stocking.
It's a corker