Panshanger parkrun Legend Receives High Sheriff Award

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP received a very warm welcome from the volunteer team at Panshanger parkrun to present a deserving parkrun legend Patrick Millar a Celebration of parkrun Award at Panshanger parkrun for outstanding contribution to the parkrun community.  

Patrick Millar is a highly valued volunteer at Panshanger parkrun. He first started attending six years ago and has now completed 130 parkrun events and volunteered on 166 occasions. 

Patrick arrives most Saturdays at 7:30am and is always happy to cover any roles. He often starts with the 5K course check on his bike, he then proceeds to carry out the role of a carpark marshal followed by then running the run itself. On other occasions he mans the entrance gate which is a three hour stint but always manages to give an enthusiastic welcome to all. 

Patrick is now 75 but this does not stop him from organising a range of extreme events too, some lasting months in locations around the world, all to raise funds for the many charities he supports. Patrick fully embraces the ethos of parkrun and is truly appreciated by all who come to Panshanger parkrun. 

“Beautiful Panshanger parkrun in Panshanger Park was a most memorable visit. Thank you Louise Smith and your entire parkrun team of volunteers for your incredibly warm welcome and appreciation of Patrick Millar who embodies the generous ethos of parkrun volunteering. Not only does he arrive at 7.30am to check the 5k course on his bike, he then does car park duty before he runs! A truly worthy winner of a High Sheriff Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Award. Well done first finisher, George Ward, too!“ 

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP

If Patrick has inspired you to volunteer there are lots of ways to be involved. parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning. Head to the parkrun website to find your local event www.parkrun.org.uk  

For further details of the event and the High Sheriff’s visit, please contact Jane Parker, j.parker20@herts.ac.uk.