Runners tackled a challenging three-lap course around Fairlands Valley, with muddy underfoot conditions adding to the seasonal test.
The race formed part of the Sunday Cross Country League, in which Garden City Runners compete throughout the winter.
For those new to the club, the league is open to all members, with the only requirement being a club vest.
Distances are typically around eight kilometres, or roughly five miles.
Attention now turns to the next league fixture, when GCR will host a new event at Panshanger Park on Sunday, January 11, 2026, starting at 10.30am.
Community – A group photo of Garden City Runners (Image: Garden City Runners)
With hosting duties comes a call for volunteers, with roles including car park marshals, course marshals and sweepers to help collect signage after the race.
Volunteers are asked to arrive between 9am and 10am depending on their role, with the event based at the Panshanger Lane entrance, the same location as Panshanger parkrun.
Off the trails, there was another strong turnout at the regular “Coffee at Campus” social, held on the third Thursday of each month after the group run.
Scenic – A shot at Panshanger parkrun (Image: Garden City Runners)
The gathering continues to prove popular, offering a chance for members to catch up socially, including those returning from injury or unable to run.
Garden City Runners were also represented further afield at parkrun, including an international appearance in California.
Valerie Levinson sent a report from Sacramento, where she took part in a parkrun during a visit.
Wow – Valerie Levinson at a parkrun in California (Image: Garden City Runners)
She said: “For health reasons, I have not been able to run for ages, but when I saw that there was a parkrun near where I was visiting, I could not resist.”
Valerie went on to finish first in her age category in a field of 47 runners, adding that the hosts were “very welcoming”.
Closer to home, congratulations went to Emily Shepherd, who completed her 100th parkrun at Panshanger, marking a significant milestone in her running journey.
There was further success on the roads at the Stevenage Winter Half Marathon on Sunday, December 14.
James Dunmore finished in 1:33:23 on what he described as a “hilly and undulating” two-lap course through Fairlands.
Smiles – James Dunmore before his half marathon (Image: Garden City Runners)
Despite strong winds on the second lap, he placed sixth in his age group and 29th overall out of 311 runners, praising the event as a “good well organised” race.
In total, 110 Garden City Runners also donned running shoes far and wide on Saturday morning for their weekly fix of Parkrun fun.
Runners have also been told to save the date of March 13, 2026, for the GCR Awards Night.
The weekend underlined a busy and festive period for Garden City Runners, combining competition, volunteering and social events as the club heads into the New Year.
Medal – James Dunmore after his half marathon (Image: Garden City Runners)
Comments are closed.