Katie Synge-Curtis and Simon Heath achieved the fastest times in parkruns across the UK this weekend.
This week’s parkrun top ten is sponsored by the British 24hr team, who are currently raising funds for the World 24hr Running Championships in Taiwan this December. If you can show your support or share the link, it would be greatly appreciated.
Last week, we attempted to use AI to write the top 10 round-up, but it was not well-received. So this week, we’re returning to our usual format, incorporating some Power of 10 research and a touch of wordplay.
Katie Synge-Curtis emerged as the fastest female this week, achieving an impressive time of 17:11 at Exmouth parkrun. This marks a 20-second personal best for the former Elite ITU Triathlete, who now represents the Hereford Couriers and the Royal Navy. Having participated in numerous parkruns this year, she is evidently on track for a strong second half of 2023.
Meanwhile, Simon Heath secured the top spot among male runners with a time of 15:06 at Seaford Beach parkrun, presumably situated by the sea. Representing the Brighton Phoenix, he has been steadily improving his 2023 parkrun personal best, having recently achieved a time of 66:30 at The Big Half just two weeks ago.
The other outstanding performances
Hannah Taunton, a decorated Paralympian, took the second position in our parkrun rankings with her fastest time of the year, clocking in at 17:21 at Severn Bridge parkrun. Lucy Armitage matched her time precisely at Alexandra parkrun, Moss Side, shaving 14 seconds off her previous personal best. Armitage, a U20 Sale Harrier, has already obtained numerous personal bests this year.
Coming in just one second behind Simon Heath, Jack Heathwood achieved a time of 15:07 at Victoria parkrun in Glasgow. Though unrelated, they both possess impressive PBs for the sub-15-minute 5000m distance, with Heathwood additionally showcasing a 25.89-second personal best for the indoor 200m event and a 69:40 half marathon time.
Ben Leaman finished third among male runners, completing Storey’s Field parkrun in 15:12. This marks an eight-second improvement on his parkrun personal best. Leaman, who holds a marathon time of 2:26, also achieved a time of 67:35 for the half marathon this year, suggesting the possibility of a new autumn marathon personal best.
The Fastest Course?
Three parkrun courses featured twice in our rankings: Exmouth, Storey’s Field, and Rickmansworth. However, Exmouth claimed the title with a first-place finish and a fifth-place finish.
