Almanac Running: At Large in Largs Bay – a parkrun yarn
Easing down Jetty Road in Largs Bay there’s a sign pointing towards a Historic Shopping Village. Historic? If I put on my bowler hat, ring the bell apologetically, and enter will there be rations of corned beef, jam, sugar, and tea? Would each cost me 2 and 6?
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti the Pier pub appears and from the ghostly stage, I can almost hear Barnesy shrieking, sniff the stale West End Draught, and through the fug, see the frayed denim.
At the parkrun starting area (right near the public toilets) I chat with an English couple. They indicate to the south of the pub where they’ve just moved. They’ve done very nicely.
I ask, ‘Have you done this run before?’
‘No, we’ve been travelling, and this is our first one in eighteen months.’ I wish them well.
The briefing begins. It’s always encouraging, and I’m buoyed by the shared purpose and infectious sense of community. The Run Director explains that in quick succession the course goes over five bridges. Only two more for an Eagles’ song.
A dry fog drapes the city, and this generates an almost Victorian England atmosphere. Gazing ahead, the northern esplanade hides under a white cloak. We’re off and the sailing club is soon in the rear-view mirror as we ribbon out along Lady Gowrie Drive.
A distant siren wails through the mist, and I wonder what strife might’ve befallen folks on a quiet Saturday morning. This is replaced by birdsong, and I push into the brusque wind.
We’re now in Taperoo and over to the right is a geographic festival dedicated to Roy Marten. There’s the Roy Marten Dog Park, the Roy Marten Reserve, and alarmingly, the Roy Marten public toilet. I vow to visit. You can’t have too much Roy, whomever he is/was/might yet be.
This is a popular parkrun with one hundred and seventy-odd participants today. Dan, who I know from the Patawalonga event, reckons it’s a PB course. No pressure then. We’ll see.
We’re right in the heart of the Lefevre Peninsula. I imagine if it could secede from Adelaide, it just might. They’d strike their own currency, and each would feature a Port Magpies footballer. Russell Ebert on the fifty, Fos Williams on the twenty and on the dollar coin Bomber Clifford grinning like a shot fox. Their air force mightn’t be much chop, but they’d assemble a tough navy.
I swing for home and over the rise see the jetty and pub. In their bleached silence both are majestic and it’s a wintry postcard. Pippi’s coffee caravan remains shut by the footpath and I wonder why. Surely weekend breakfast is peak for the caffeinated.
A large wooden yacht is in a front yard. On a trailer, it’s in poor repair, and I remember it from my student days golfing at North Haven. At least, I think it’s a yacht. Ben Lexcen, if he were still about, could help with my nautical lexicography. I’m sure it’s been there for over three decades, and a better option might’ve been a garden gnome. What’s the owner been thinking all this time?
With the end approaching (today’s run not mortality, I hope) I pass another commercial caravan on the esplanade. It’s a doggie wash van with as one would expect, a Billy Joel theme.
Puptown Girl.
I’m a slow starter, but usually finish well. A few runs ago in Glenelg, Dan and I did our last kilometre in a decent-for-old-chaps four and a half minutes. The results are emailed mid-morning. My PB remains elusive.
Next week.
Back in my car I strap on my Abraham Lincoln beard and put a shilling in my waistcoat pocket. I’m off to the Historic Shopping Village.
More from Mickey Randall can be read Here.
To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au home page click HERE
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
About Mickey Randall
Now whip it into shape/ Shape it up, get straight/ Go forward, move ahead/ Try to detect it, it's not too late/ To whip it, whip it good
- More Posts
Mickey, you set a fine example for us all! Keep on running!
Thanks Colin. Got some country action happening between now and Christmas, so should be able to tackle parkrun in the Barossa, Yorke Peninsula, Murray Bridge, Goolwa and Myponga. I really like the notion of parkrun tourism and exploring various courses.
You probably have found out by now Mickey, but the remaining shreds of my memory tell me that Roy Marten was a particularly troublesome Mayor of Port Adelaide who was involved in PA being evicted from Alberton Oval at some stage, just pre-Crows or shortly after. For reasons unknown, he hated Port Adelaide and wanted us out. If I had known there was a R M toilet, I might have gone down there for a……
Good on you Mickey. parkrun is addictive. I am so slow but having a shot is all part of it. Let me know if you are ever near Ocean Grove or Portarlington or Geelong
Well played, Mickey.
And an excellent report
Thanks for that Bucko. Port being evicted from Alberton? He’s lucky he didn’t have to front up for a dawn duel.
Will do noelmc. Volunteered this morning and it was excellent. Lots of gratitude and encouragement.
Thanks Smokie. Always appreciate comments from Massachusetts!
another great Park Run read, Mickey!
thanks and keep up the great work!
Rabbit in the Vineyard
Thanks for that Russel. Heading up your way for the lunch later this month at the Tanunda Club and plan to do the Nuri parkrun too. Might see you at the lunch, run or both.
sounds like a plan!
I’m really pleased that upon arriving here in January, JTH introduced me to the TC!!!
Great evening with Rick Darling the other week
Nice one. Maybe not a PB, but any grade over 60% is not too shabby.
The prison bar guernsey coming in behind instantly marks the territory. I’m glad to see I’m not the only bloke who does parkruns in SANFL jumpers.
Some sensational courses to be traversed in Tasmania if you’re ever down this way again.
Thanks Mark- good to hear from you. We plan to return to Tassie so will contact you for parkrun suggestions!
As someone who isn’t a Port supporter can you imagine my (shallow) delight when spotting the parkrun photo with me in front of a chap in the prison bars? Of course, I took it as an enduring and profound metaphor for all of life’s key metrics. As I said, shallow! I’ve probably shared it more than my wedding photos.
Well played Mickey – keep em coming ( not criminal photos included in the future tho )
Thanks RB. Will do! See you at lunch.
Hi Mickey noticed your name in results at my home event Portarlington today, Final 2 hills are not pleasant.
Yes, Noel. That’s me. I’d been warned about the hills, but they weren’t too bad. Lovely to run right by the ocean and see the Melbourne skyline across the bay. Was that you on the results list too with 108 parkruns to your name?
Wish I’d known! Drove back to Point Lonsdale through Indented head (what was the mascot for their footy team?) and St Leonards, listening to 3RRR. Great morning.
Yes that’s me, Very slow today. Might have been the Queenscliff Coutas
If you’re back this way get in touch 0432471463