'Why I've taken part in almost 300 Parkruns'
- Published
A woman is set to complete her 300th Parkrun next weekend, having taking part in an event starting with every letter of the alphabet - apart from one.
Jo Yarnall from Aldridge did her first Parkrun in May 2012 at Walsall Arboretum, after being convinced by her running club, and it is where she will complete her 300th next Saturday.
Ms Yarnall even travelled to Poland to complete the Zielony Jar event, ticking off Z from her list of alphabet Parkruns.
The only letter she has been unable to do is X, as she said there was no Parkrun beginning with that letter.
For the tricky letter Y, she ran the Y Promenâd, Abermaw event in Barmouth.
Excluding the letter X, Ms Yarnall finished her Parkrun alphabet in April this year at the Jersey Farm near London.
Completing the alphabet has brought another element of fun to the Parkruns for the 56-year-old, who also loves to dress up in costumes for the events.
Speaking about why she loves Parkruns, Ms Yarnall told BBC Radio WM: "It's just the taking part that counts, there are so many wonderful people and it's a lovely lovely feeling."
When Aldridge Running Club convinced her to go to her first Parkrun in 2012, Ms Yarnall was initially hesitant.
"At the time I thought what's this getting up on a Saturday morning [for], what's this all about, there's no medal involved," she said.
"As soon as I went and met people there I realised the importance of the community and how important Parkrun is and meeting other like-minded people.
"The Parkrun community welcomes people of all abilities, it's a great way to make friends, it's a great way to get exercise, it's good for your mind, and it's good for your health."
Ms Yarnall also loves how anyone who is completing their first Parkrun will get a round of applause at the end.
For her 299th Parkrun at the Epworth Equestrian Parkrun, Ms Yarnall and her friend will complete the event with hobby horses and equestrian hats.
She has previously dressed as a dinosaur, a flamingo, Princess Leia, and Mickey Mouse.
"I love dressing up, any excuse, it doesn't take much for me to go in fancy dress," she laughed.
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