On the first Saturday of October, 74 devoted runners and walkers set off round the Informal Parkrun Lisboa course. It’s a 5k course around the Monsanto Forest Park. David and Raquel have organised these runs and walks once a month for more than 3 years. That one was run/walk number 42.
It felt a little sad, not only because the views were wreathed with fog but because Raquel and David are giving up the regular organisation. So, it was thought that it might be the last get together of the Informal Parkrun Lisboa.
Not the Last Run and Walk?
David and Raquel have tried their utmost to obtain the formal permission needed to become a member of the Parkrun organisation. 23 countries have managed to set up as members. But so far, Portugal is not one of them.
You could hear the pangs of loss that David and Raquel were feeling in their final send off talk to the group. Parkrun was set up to encourage the active to participate with others and the not so active to take up regular exercise. And David and Raquel have fulfilled the brief here in Lisbon. But they still have not been able to obtain official Portuguese recognition for Lisbon’s run/walk to be a member.
So that day, 74 of us walked and ran in the Monsanto Parque Florestal (to give it its Portuguese name) on the last run and walk to be led by David and Raquel. Even though it was billed as the last run and walk, surely it could not really be the last one in Lisbon?
A Parkrun too Good to Miss?
What made it such a shame was that the following day, Sunday, Lisbon was hosting one of the most beautiful of marathons and half marathons. The course runs along beside the sea and ends up in the main square of Lisbon, the Praça do Comércio. It’s an event fully recognised by the of the International Athletics Federation (IAAF).
Such a big event, with over 35,000 participants and big crowds of cheering supporters. Lisbon puts on a great show for them and it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm and fun generated.
But despite increasing popularity, not everyone wants to run a marathon or even a half marathon. Too hard, too time consuming, too competitive for lesser mortals than marathon runners. You mustn’t strain that dodgy knee, but you still want some exercise. Or maybe It’s your back, so you just want a walk with a bit of company. There again, it might be that you want some peace and quiet taking in the wisdom of trees. There is nothing like the green of nature to cheer you up and drive away your stress.
What we need is an official Parkrun here in Lisbon. We all want to enjoy the benefits and inspiration of getting together with like-minded people. Not to mention the benefits of having a great time out in nature.
Indeed, the marathon runners from Leeds Hyde Park Harriers, didn’t want to miss out on a parkrun. It was the day before their big run, so some just walked. And they told me that they do parkruns back in Leeds too. It was great to have them here sharing with us.
Our Beautiful Informal Parkrun Will Continue
The Hyde Park Harriers also told me how lovely our informal parkrun is. And that was despite the shroud of fog on our parkrun day.
The views from the Keil do Amaral amphitheatre normally stretch to the April 25th Bridge across the River Tejo. And the park provides a feast of nature, so many different trees, flowers, insects, birds and more. It is a wonderful place to recuperate and enjoy the benefits of being out in nature.
That’s why I am so happy to be able to tell you that volunteers have stepped forward to continue the tasks of organising the runs and walks. Others may also take up the batten of trying to obtain permission from the Lisbon powers that be.
There will be a few little changes. For example, we’ve decided to run it from 9.30 which is half an hour later than previously. That means the kiosk which serves coffee and cakes will be open when you arrive back from your run or walk. (Well, it always was open by the time I get back. I’m one of the slower walkers who come in later!)
Come and Join the Informal Parkrun in Lisbon
You’ll find the latest news about what is happening with the group on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lisboaparkrun. There are still going to be runs and walks in Monsanto Forest Park on the first Saturday of each month.
Please spread the news that our Informal Parkrun Lisboa will still function. Please share your enthusiasm and encourage runners and walkers of every age to join us in the park. Don’t hesitate if you are not a runner, thousands of people walk the course at Parkruns. We’ll welcome you with open arms. (I’m a walker these days.)
It just remains to give a big thank you for all the effort that David and Raquel and the many volunteers have put in. It takes the whole team to make the runs and walks such a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning.
And may our informal Monsanto parkruns turn into proper parkruns. Come and help us to keep our Informal Parkrun going.
If you are in Lisbon on the first Saturday of the month, do look us up and come and join us.
Oh Rosemary, this is so beautiful! You have captured the essence of parkrun wonderfully! Thank you for your enthusiasm. I have a good feeling that Portugal will soon be able to enjoy official parkruns around the country! <3
Thank you Raquel. Wishing you all the best with your studies – you’re taking on a lot! And thank you for working so hard to keep everything going. I’m one of the volunteers on Saturday keeping alive the legacy you have left for us to enjoy and so will be there to demonstrate that the parkrun continues in Lisboa!
#Parkrunlisboa
Hi Rosemary,
Nil desperandum – keep up the great work…there is a good few of us interested in doing the Lisbon marathon BUT the clincher would be a parkrun – so if it happens you’ll certainly get a Scottish contingent coming over to run/jog/walk and volunteer.
Aside for all the obvious benefits that parkrun brings – fitness/mental health/social inclusion there is also a financial benefit that would be gained and no idea why the Lisbon authorities would turn their noses up at this…I wish you all the best in your continued chasing to make this happen.
Cheers,
David.
Thanks David. It’s lovely to know we have Scottish support. I’ll look forward to seeing you over here before too long I hope. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated.