Organisers of a park run say it was “fantastic” to have an Olympic legend take part in its route.
Dame Kelly Holmes took part in the 5k run at the Sittingbourne parkrun.
Dame Kelly Holmes with John Waterman, who is a Sittingbourne Park Run ‘legend’. Picture: Yvonne Crawford
The 55-year-old joined 251 other runners, walkers and joggers who went around Milton Creek Country Park on Saturday, March 28.
The double gold medalist, who won the 800m and 1,500m events at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, managed to complete the route 23 minutes and two seconds – finishing first among people her age and 22nd overall.
She gave a little pre-run speech to the participants before they set out on the route.
Dame Kelly has been recovering from a torn iliotibial band – a thick band of tissue that runs along the outer side of the thigh, from the hip to the shinbone.
She said on social media following the run: “Fab morning with the team [at] Sittingbourne Park Run.
Dame Kelly Holmes spoke to the participants of Sittingbourne Park Run before the race began. Picture: Yvonne Crawford
“[The] weather was great even with the chilly wind. Thanks for the warm welcome.
“Met some lovely people and so many from this page, which I love [including] John Waterman, the legend and the guy who was brought back to life by this wonderful community after a cardiac arrest.
“Well done to everyone, showing up, committing and doing YOUR thing. We all do 5K just our way.
“For me personally I am very happy. I was able to jog round for the third week in a row.
“I felt good and in control.
Dame Kelly Holmes was surprised by Sittingbourne Park Run participants at Milton Creek Country Park. Picture: Yvonne Crawford
“Rehab is definitely helping, but it’s more important that I keep it going even though it’s boring. Test will be what tomorrow feels like.”
The parkrun was put on by volunteers, 34 of who were at the event on Saturday.
It said: “Not only did we see the sunniest of days today, and all our awesome parkrun participants, we also welcomed Dame Kelly Holmes to our lovely parkrun.
“It was absolutely fantastic to have her with us and to take time to talk to as many of us as possible and say a few words at the start.
“Thanks so much for coming.
“We don’t think our finishing area has been that busy since the free coffee at our birthday celebrations a few years back.”
Parkrun takes place at Milton Creek Country Park at 9am every Saturday and is free to take part in.
All parkrun events are organised by volunteers. You can email [email protected] to help out.
