In issue six, we head to north London to meet the Oak Hill parkrun family. Oak Hill Park in East Barnet, London is an open space steeped in history. It is also the location of a long-standing parkrun that recently celebrated its 600th event. But, despite the name, the route around Oak Hill really isn’t very hilly.
The place now known as Oak Hill actually dates all the way back to the 11th century, when it was part of the Monkenfrith estate owned by the Church. But it wasn’t until the late 1700s that the area was renamed after the great oak trees that grew there. According to event director Simon Bourne, “The park itself is lovely. And the parkrun is a two-and-three-quarter laps course. All of which – apart from the last five metres – is run on tarmac. It is an extra bonus that the event itself is so easy to set up.”
The course makes great use of the fact that the Pymmes Brook runs through the middle of the park. From the start, parkrunners cross a bridge over the brook and then return towards the start alongside its gently flowing water. Perhaps it is because of the park’s natural beauty that the parkrun attracts people of all ages: from teenagers to those in their 70s and 80s. Members of the local running club, the Barnet and District Athletics Club, will also often come along to take part on a Saturday.
Ian Westbrook, who volunteers to keep the Oak Hill parkrun website and social media channels full of exciting stories, is especially proud of the fact that they recently celebrated their 600th event. He recalls how great it was that the local mayor came along and stayed until the end of the event, to help mark the occasion. “I was very honoured to be the event director that day,” says Simon. “I know the previous event directors and to actually oversee this and help manage the 600th event was something really special. Something that will stay with me for a long time.”
Meet the Oak Hill Family:
Marsha Westbrook (finish tokens):
“I have given out nearly 50,000 finish tokens across both Oak Hill parkrun and Friary Park junior parkrun. I still love the relief that everyone shows in the finish funnel when I hand them over.”
Monica Thompson (tail walker):
“parkrun means so much to me. I often volunteer as tail walker to make sure everyone gets around, and to give support and encouragement to others. It’s a great feelgood factor when you’ve completed the 5km.”
Chris Notton (regular volunteer):
“Oak Hill parkrun started for me as a weekly run, then became a chance to give back. But now I see volunteering as a way to facilitate a local community event each week.”
David Birks (volunteers as a marshal and is always in the same spot):
“My main focus is cheering people on: encouraging the faster ones to push on, those in the middle to keep going and those at the rear to keep swinging those arms.”
Did You Know?
The tall oak trees that stood on the land now known as Oak Hill were felled to be used in the construction of nearby St Albans Cathedral, which has parts that date back to Norman times. The building used to be an abbey but after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500s, it became a parish church and eventually, in 1877, a cathedral.
Occasionally, Pymmes Brook floods and the parkrun route has to be changed. In which case, parkrunners climb the hill that the park is named after – three times. Thankfully this doesn’t happen all that often.
Pymmes Brook itself is named after William Pymme, a local land owner. It is a minor tributary of the River Lea, which begins in the Chiltern Hills before meandering south through Hertfordshire and into Greater London, where it meets the River Thames at Bow Creek.
Pymmes Brook actually also gives its name to another park on its route – Pymmes Park, just five miles east of Oak Hill Park – and guess what: there is a parkrun there too!
Where is it?
Oak Hill Park, East Barnet, London
Can I get there by train or tube?
The park is a 10-minute walk from Oakleigh Park Station. There are regular trains from Welwyn Garden City to the North and Finsbury Park or Moorgate in London. Alternatively you can take the tube – the nearest tube stations are Totteridge & Whetstone (Northern Line) and Southgate (Piccadilly Line). Both are about a 30-minute walk.
How about taking the bus?
There are three bus routes serving the park: routes 184, 382 and 307.
We’re car-sharing, is there a carpark?
There is limited parking (including two disabled spaces) in the car park at Parkside Gardens, East Barnet, London, EN4 8JS – which is a 1-minute walk from the start. Please do not park in the street on Parkside Gardens, East Walk and West Walk.
Where is the start?
We meet by the tennis courts / bowls club close to the car park.
Is the course accessible?
The main route is accessible, almost entirely on tarmac until the last few metres. Occasionally Pymmes Brook floods and we have to use an alternate course, which includes more off-road distance and some hills. If you have questions contact the team at oakhill@parkrun.com.
