Club Trip Gdansk

September 26, 2023 by Martin Lawrence
Frontpage Article, Headlines, News Specials

Last weekend (22 September to 26 September 2023) saw the Redway Runners Autumn trip to Gdansk on the Baltic coast of Poland for the Gdansk parkrun on the Saturday and the Half or 5K Garmin events on the Sunday.

We had a great trip with 17 travelling, not sure what treat the city had in store for us, we were not to be disappointed, with the second World War history in Westerpointte, Sopat and the lovely beach resort, the old town and towers, the solidarity museum and the dockyards.

Thursday

So tonight this happened!! As we walked to the Pub Red Light, we stopped on the bridge to get a group photo, asked a couple on the bridge if we took a photo of them, would they take our photo, well as took the photo he dropped to his knee, pulled out the ring and proposed!! Lots of smiles, tears – she said YES.

Never got our photo, but got one in the Red Light pub instead.

Do not expect they will see this but congratulations from Redway Runners

Friday

Day 2 of the Redway Runners club trip to Gdansk in Poland a lovely sunny day and we made a trip to Westerplatte.

It is famous for the Battle of Westerplatte, which was the first clash between Polish and German forces during the invasion of Poland and thus the beginning and the first battle of World War II. The battle was expected to last a couple of hours, but they held out for seven days. A very poignant site.

Saturday

Day 3 of the Redway Runners club trip to Gdansk.

Saturday so had to start with the Gdansk parkrun, we had three, yes 3 Redway Runners who ran their 500th parkrun. Well done, Karen, Leigh and Nigel. Gdansk parkrun presented them with Diplomas

See parkrun report at the below

Following the obligatory coffee and photo with Ronald Reagan and the Pope, then most of us walked into Sopot and walked the pleasure pier. It first opened in 1827, and at 511.5 metres, the pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe.Then we went to the Wonky house.

We then headed to the Polestar Arena to collect race numbers for Sundays races at the Expo.

Another busy day.

Sunday

Day 4 of Redway Runners club trip today and it was the day of the races with nine taking part in the Garmin Gdansk half marathon and five in the 5k.

An amazing start to the run entering the fantastic stadium and crossing the start line, probably best start to any run I have taken part in, then a tour of most parts of the city.

So Sunday evening in the Red light pub in Gdansk it was the Redway Runners 2nd Beer mat awards, for that coverted award.

This time they went to Sheila for going the extra mile at parkrun, yes she went wrong and got bonus distance!!

Then Helen today who was 93rd in the male 18’s category in the half, we suspected!!

Then to Karen who AGAIN ran her last ever half marathon.

Well done all winners, a special mention to Nick who won the award for most running this weekend!!

Monday
Some of the group started the return journey, and the remining group had the last night at the Red Light bar before returning on the Tuesday

Overall
A club classic trip, Gdansk was an amazing city, with lots of history and plenty to keep you busy, good food and drink and all at reasonable prices

Lots more photos on the Redway Runners Facebook page

Results at:
https://live.sts-timing.pl/pg2023/

Gdansk parkrun in Poland for event 533

Saturday 23 September 2023 saw 132 finishers with 16 from the club taking part, the route is two laps around the Park Reagana (named after Ronald Reagan).

A very friendly parkrun and they presented the 500 runners with Diplomas, which was a lovely touch.

First home was: James DWIGHT and first lady to Joey GARNER

Welcome to the 500 parkrun club to:

Nigel SHEPPARD

Karen LAWRENCE

Leigh STEERE

First time at Gdansk parkrun for all so to:

James DWIGHT

Kevin CHURCH

Nigel SHEPPARD

Martin LAWRENCE

Joey GARNER