St Patrick's Tigers
When: Saturdays every few months
Time: 9.00am (arrive 8.45am)
Where: parkrun
The primary purpose of St Patrick’s Tigers is to take part in 5K run/jog/walk mob matches against other local churches, held roughly every couple of months at one of the local parkruns. The more runners/walkers/volunteers a team has at a match, the more points the team earns, as well as additional points for the first, second and third man, woman, boy and girl past the finish line, and the team with the most points is the winner.
Our next mob match is on Saturday 18th May at Crystal Palace parkrun. Please see the course page for details of how to get there, but from Wallington the easiest route is probably a train to Penge West station which is very close to the start.
There are toilet facilities available, but no changing facilities. The course is on tarmac so no specialist footwear is required.
There are also mob matches at Roundshaw Downs parkrun on July 20th and Lloyd parkrun on October 12th.
If you would like to give a 5K run a go, please do join us. This doesn’t have to be at a match. Members of St Patrick’s run most weeks; our most popular location is Roundshaw Downs. Most of the courses are a couple of laps (so you can stop half-way) and it’s OK to walk some or all of the way. Alternatively, parkrun is always looking for volunteers, so if you prefer, you could help with marshaling etc. There are a variety of roles, so please check out the volunteer future roster page on the parkrun website for the course and week you are planning to come to see what still needs filling.
In order to take part it is essential that you register with parkrun. You should also bring with you your parkrun barcode (assigned to you when registering) or you won't get a time. While barcodes on phones are now acceptable, parkrun's preference is for a hard copy as it has your emergency contact details on it. Additionally, please could you add St Patrick's Tigers as (one of) your running club(s) on your parkrun profile, or email Tim Gray at runners@chilternchurch.org.uk with permission as follows: “I give the churchrunner team permission to publish my parkrun results whenever there is a 'mob match' (or similar) and they can put my name against St Patrick's Tigers.” so that you can be counted in the team.
If you are planning to join us at a mob match, it is helpful to let the church office know in advance, but you can just turn up on the day. The run begins at 9am, but we would strongly recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early, especially if it is your first parkrun, so that the St Patrick's Tigers can convene before setting off.
Please note that St Patrick’s Tigers is different from the other activities listed as it is not an activity run by the church. This means that St Patrick’s safeguarding policies do not apply and parents remain responsible for their children; please note parkrun’s requirements, which include that under 11s must run alongside (within arm's reach of) a trusted adult whom they know.
What do some of the St Patrick's Tigers have to say?
'I have really enjoyed being a part of the St Patrick's Tigers the last few months. It has encouraged me in my fitness journey and I have got to know so many new people.' - Emily
Go on a parkrun by Emily James
Go on a parkrun
Because running is fun
It's open to us all
You, me, everyone!
It doesn't cost a penny
And it's really healthy too
It's worth it when you've finished
So, come on, try something new!
You might not be very active
Or think that you're too slow
You're not a big runner
So you won't give it a go
But I'll tell you a secret
Something you should know
We all started somewhere
Fitness high or fitness low
You might be sitting on the sofa
Not even trying to move
But it's not how you start out
It's how you improve
And by going on a parkrun
And just trying your best
With a bit of perseverance
You'll be as good as the rest
So come on, let's go
Put on your sports gear
Even if it is
For the first time in years
And then join us at the mob match
9 am on Saturday
You'll grow to love it
Don't let fear stand in your way
Because all throughout the course
We'll have Jesus by our side
He'll be there to cheer you on
So you've no need to hide
If we go on our own
We'll be sure to miss you
Do you still have a problem?
What are the issues?
Let's figure them out
Don't let them bring you down
Let's find a way
And go across town
To join in the parkrun
Even if you walk it
We'll be so proud of you
We won't stop talking
So let's go and do this
It's only a few miles
And when you are done
You will be all smiles.
Useful links if you would like to find out more: