Well Done to the Plodders in Benidorm!

A huge well done to all the Plodders who travelled out to sunny Benidorm to take part in the 10K and Half Marathon races!

Slightly disappointed at the lack of Plodders tops 😥. But from the photos and stories circulating, it’s clear that this year’s trip was about more than just running—there was sunshine, camaraderie, plenty of laughs, and memories made both on and off the course.

Whether you powered through the 10K, tackled the Half Marathon, chased a PB, or simply soaked up the incredible atmosphere, you should all be incredibly proud. Events like these remind us what makes the Plodders such a fantastic group: determination, encouragement, friendship, and a willingness to enjoy every moment.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, and here’s to many more adventures, races, and group trips ahead! 🌟🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️💛

Half Marathon

• Sean O'carroll - 1:36:10

10K

• Luke Partridge - 43:03
• Dave Skidmore - 44:14
• Sarah Mercer - 51:31
• Kelly Hazell - 1:02:28
• Julie O'Carroll - 1:02:32
• Jamie Boyle - 1:13:30
• Isabel Boyle - 1:15:10

Congratulations to Kelly Hazeel on Her 250th Parkrun Milestone!

A huge congratulations to Kelly Hazeel, who reached an incredible milestone this weekend by completing her 250th parkrun!

Kelly celebrated this remarkable achievement at the Southsea parkrun, a course known for its friendly atmosphere, scenic seafront views, and supportive community—perfect for marking such a special occasion.

After crossing the finish line, Kelly continued the celebrations in true parkrun style: with coffee, cake, and plenty of smiles shared among friends, fellow runners, and volunteers.

Reaching 250 parkruns is no small feat. It reflects years of commitment, countless early Saturday mornings, and a true passion for fitness and community. Kelly’s dedication is an inspiration to runners of all abilities.

Well done, Kelly—here’s to many more runs, milestones, and slices of post-run cake to come! 🎉🏃‍♀️🍰☕

🎄 Plodders Christmas Party – Save the Date! 🎄
📅 Saturday 6th December | 🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 China Royal, Chichester

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and what better way to celebrate than with your fellow Plodders at our annual Christmas Party!

We’re heading to China Royal in Chichester for an evening of great food, laughter, and festive cheer. It’s a fantastic chance to kick back, relax, and celebrate a brilliant year of running, races, and community spirit.

🍽️ What’s on the Menu?

For just £26 per person, you’ll enjoy an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet — perfect for refuelling after all those winter runs (and maybe carb-loading for the next one 😉). Whether you're a crispy duck fan or a lover of sweet and sour, there’ll be something for everyone.

🎉 Why You Should Come:

• Catch up with your running buddies in non-running clothes!
• Enjoy a relaxed evening of good company and great food
• Celebrate a year of achievements, PBs, and parkrun milestones
• Raise a glass (or two) to the Plodders’ unstoppable spirit

📢 Book Your Place!

Please let us know if you wish to come, so we can book some tables — make sure you get your name down no payment upfront please pay on the night.

🧾 Price: £26 per person
🍴 Includes: All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet
📍 Where: China Royal, Chichester
🕖 When: Saturday 6th December, 7:00 PM

Let’s make it a night to remember.

The Last Plodders Awayday of the Year: A Heartfelt Thanks to Matt Court for his Planning and Fantastic Flour Arrows

As the year draws to a close, the Plodders group wrapped up their final awayday in style. The event, which is always a highlight for the group, saw members coming together for one last adventure. And this year’s event was made even more special thanks to the meticulous planning of Matt Court, whose efforts ensured the day went off without a hitch.

A Day to Remember

This final Plodders awayday was filled with scenic routes, lively conversations, and plenty of laughter. But what truly made it stand out were the thoughtful details that Matt put into the planning. From mapping out picturesque trails to ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy, Matt’s dedication was clear at every turn.

But it wasn’t just the routes that impressed – it was the little things that mattered. One of the most unique features of the awayday was the use of flour arrows, a tradition for Plodders' events. Matt, with his signature flair, crafted perfect flour arrows to guide the group along the chosen routes, ensuring that no one would ever get lost and that the journey would remain enjoyable for all participants.

The Magic of Flour Arrows

The flour arrows have become a beloved feature for many of the group members. These simple yet effective markers are not just functional but also add a touch of fun to the day. Whether you were following the trail or just enjoying the views, the arrows made the journey feel more like a treasure hunt. Each twist and turn of the route brought the group closer together, reinforcing the sense of community that makes the Plodders awaydays so special.



Thanks again, Matt – and to all the Plodders who joined us on this unforgettable final awayday of the year!