As next week sees the start to the Bedford & District Junior League, with the first grading tournament due to commence on 1st March, Bedford Tigers put a pause on their pre-season training.
…. And for some of them this pre-season saw them really push themselves at their local Park Run in Bedford.

Many of our year 7-8 age group (with some sprinkling of our years 4-6 for good measure) decided to use the off season to focus on their fitness by meeting every Sunday morning at Jubilee Park in Bedford to test themselves against the Junior Park Run.
The aim was simple, improve their fitness and continue to grow their team spirit and bond through exercise and sport…. And boy did they accept the challenge!

From Early December players across all teams showed up week on week, cheering each other on and pushing themselves for their own PB’s, as they tackled the 2 kilometre course.
Following each 9am meet a tradition was formed and the Costa (or Starbucks, depending on which side of the fence you sit) post race ritual de-brief took place where the girls would hang out, play Uno and wait for their times to come in.

This turn-out is a testament to the amazing parents we have at this age group who also showed up through wet weather and frosty conditions, pushing all our girls around the track. It was so encouraging to see the parents spread out across different milestones and even getting out of breath themselves either through competing as well or from galloping across the field with enough time to see the racers cross the finish line.

Often sporting our distinguishable Bedford Tigers apparel the girls were quickly noticed as regulars and it was a shame to tell them, today would be the last one for a while.
On that note, it is only right to provide a big shout out to those volunteers who make these Park Run’s possible, all dedicating so much time and enthusiasm to allow it to happen every week. Some of these volunteers are from our own tigers family. It became a real enjoyable family event and something I have now doubt we will come back to in the future. It would be wrong not to make an honourable mention to my favourite volunteer, ‘James’. James is such an amazing, friendly young lad who come rain or shine was always there to welcome us with his big smile, he is such a welcome to all. He brings so much energy and love to that Park Run and was a joy to be around. Thank you James! Hold on to those ‘Hi fives’ for us!

With over 18 Bedford Tiger representative runners, 7 Tiger Park Run volunteers and and heap of supporters …. I’d like to think we have made our mark and what a nice community mark to make.

Well down girls. You were all fantastic! (Who is going to join us in Easter?)