KCOM ups the pace for Hull Marathon runners
Runners will face an extra feat of athleticism when they attempt the Hull Marathon.
Members of the Humber Bridge Parkrun group can now exercise with peace of mind thanks to a KCOM community grant.
The group, which organises weekly 5km runs around the scenic Humber Bridge Country Park, has been able to buy a portable defibrillator machine thanks to a community grant from KCOM.
Fortunately the defibrillator, which can be used to jumpstart someone’s heart following a cardiac arrest, hasn’t been called into action yet, but Parkrun organiser Helen Penn says it’s nice to know it’s there.
“It is incredibly reassuring to know the defibrillator is there just in case of an emergency. Hopefully we’ll never have to use it but it is a good thing to have.
“The machine stays at the starting point with the race organisers so if anyone gets into trouble it is sent out immediately with a runner to where it’s needed.
“The statistics show the chances of surviving a heart attack are greatly increased if you can get a defibrillator to someone within a couple of minutes, while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive.”
The defibrillator will be on duty every Saturday for the Humber Bridge Parkrun, which starts at 9am and takes a 5km route along the scenic Cliff Trail in the area known locally as Little Switzerland.
It will be there when the group passes a major milestone on Saturday, June 3, and celebrates its third birthday.
And Helen says the group is continuing to go from strength to strength, regularly attracting 100 to 150 competitors.
“We cater for everyone from youngsters right up to runners in their 80s. We have people who run the course in super-fast time and others who like to walk around but it’s all about whatever works for you.
“The whole ethos of Parkrun is about coming along, having fun and getting out in the fresh air and getting active.
“We have people from all walks of life taking part and the best thing about reaching our third birthday is that we now feel like an extended family.
“After each run on a Saturday a lot of the regulars go for a full English breakfast together to put all the calories we just burned off back on.”
It’s free to take part in the Humber Bridge Parkrun and it’s easy to register to take part. Simply visit www.parkrun.org.uk/register fill in your details and print off your barcode. You only have to do this once and, when registered, you are able to take part in nearly 450 other organised runs across the UK and beyond.
Brendon Smurthwaite, KCOM’s community coordinator, said: “The Humber Bridge Parkrun is a brilliant way for people to get out and become more active with a fun and welcoming group.
“We’re delighted to be able to support the group and, while we hope they will never have to use the defibrillator, we’re glad it will help give runners extra peace of mind.”