Sunnyside Community Garden

104 GoodGymers have supported Sunnyside Community Garden with 17 tasks.


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Upcoming sessions

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IslingtonGroup run
DaMarcusDeirdreEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedCaitlin RollisonMatt BurtonSimon Fitzmaurice

Masters of Mulch

Monday 13th October

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On a wonderfully moody Autumnal evening, Area Activator Simon met with Da Marcus, Deirdre and first timer Camila (welcome!) at the Arsenal Community Hub for a pleasant1.5 mile run up to Elthorne Park, Archway. Hidden around the corner is the fascinating Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground project, set up by local residents and gardening enthusiasts on a former basketball court. The court fell into disrepair, and was forceably shut by Haringey Council due to anti-social behaviour complaints, but a collaboration with volunteers have allowed the court to be transformed into a growing space.

Top volunteer coordinator Eslam was on hand to allow us to access the gardens, and offered us all shovels, spades and forks for our task. The objective this evening was to un-earth two beds of nicely rotted down organic soil (cultivated by our team months ago with coffee chaffs, woodchip and green waste), and turn the material to allow for aeration. Very satisfying to see the results from our hard work paying off!

As an extra task (just in case we had time!), we were requested to unload a whole compost bin of fresh green waste into the beds, and combine the materials as effectively as possible. The six of us made short work of the mulch turning, leaving two compost bins for the gardening team to allocate for future projects.

Great work everyone! Next week, we will be at the Light of the World Church in Stroud Green!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN OCTOBER

Community Mission - Light of the World Church Gardening and Painting, 7.15pm, Evershot Road, Monday 20th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-light-of-the-world-church-gardening-and-painting-6dff1a8d-898b-4d40-b992-04d7f8567089

Group Run - Timbuktu Adventure Playground 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 29th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-return-trip-to-timbuktu-adventure-playground-c04c29e1-19ec-45ae-9e98-de5762c63bbc

Community Mission - Sunnyside Community Gardens, 7.15pm, Monday 3rd November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting-7de5ca9d-b101-4b9d-a16d-c98bc7ca3b5d

Group Run - Rose Bowl Youth Club Green Graft! 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 10th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-rose-bowl-youth-club-green-graft

—-----------------------------------

Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

OCTOBER

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 16th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-fb30d327-a149-4c53-8543-0a8db41a263e

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 23rd October

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-66e4c4cb-2d0d-4eb8-8f02-20ef5f999096

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 30th October

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-3f7026f3-7a38-455c-b400-329f37edd6c5

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 6th November

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-a8b0fc78-97bf-41ec-a84c-908bcf24c5f8

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Track and Towpath - Bartlett Park Belters

Thursday 16th October, 7.50am, Poplar Union E14

Come and join Area Activator and UK Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) Simon for a fun mixed pace training session

Our plan is to meet up outside Poplar Union cafe at 7.50am, before enjoying an easy jog and dynamic warm up in Bartlett Park by 8am.

All paces and abilities welcome!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/track-and-towpath-bartlett-park-belters

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The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Tuesdays (and a single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

Market Road Gardens, London N7 9GT

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Market Road Gardens looking beautiful! All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September 16th, 23rd, 30th

October 7th, 14th, 21st (not 28th!)

November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

December 2nd, 9th and 16th

Next session

Tuesday 14th October: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-e5ac8437-8a18-4679-bf4e-ab725a730cda

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The Green Guardians Volunteer Gardening Sessions

Wednesdays (and one single Saturday) 10am - 12 midday

TGC Hut, Newington Green Park Building, 2 Newington Green, London, N1 4RF

Come along and meet the TGC team and help us to keep Newington Green tidy and lovely!

All tools provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided.

Winter Dates

September - 17th, 24th, and Saturday 27th

October- 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd

November- 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

December- 3rd, 10th and 17th

Next Session

Wednesday 15th October

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-5b6d6fcd-048c-464a-b214-0c217b0f1897

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Green Guardians- Whittington Park Sessions

Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions, Whittington Park, Archway

We have six really interesting gardening session happening at Whittington Park. We'll be planting native wild flowers, hedging and bulbs, creating a stumper and planting fruit trees.

These are relaxed friendly sessions where the emphasis is on spending time outside in nature, whilst learning and sharing skills and meeting new people.

The sessions are free and open to all, though under 16's must be with a responsible adult. No experience is needed. We provide tools, gloves, guidance and refreshments.


Session Dates

  1. Thursday 16th Oct 2025, 10am to 12pm ; planting native wildflower

  2. Thursday 13th Nov 2026,10am to 12pm ; planting native bulbs

  3. Tuesday 6th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Orchard tree planting with the Orchard Project (with optional free volunteers lunch at 1pm)

  4. Tuesday 13th Jan 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Wildlife hedge planting

  5. Tuesday 20th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

  6. Tuesday 27th Jan, 2026, 10am to 12pm ; Loggery habitat creation

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Next session

Thursday 16th October, 10am - 12 midday: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/green-guardians-whittington-park-community-gardening

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Golden Olden Community Gardens - Monthly Volunteer Open Day

Saturday 18th October, 10am - 2pm, Opposite Whistler Street, Islington

Olden Community Garden is a charity that maintains this lovely green space, with the object to promote a community garden for the benefit of people living or working in the London Borough of Islington. Olden Garden gives local people opportunities for education and recreation, with the aim of increasing involvement in the community and reducing isolation.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/golden-olden-community-gardens-monthly-volunteer-open-day-2863583d-2b70-4ec0-a0e6-137f5d7495a5

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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning Saturday 18th October, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month. Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning

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Penn Road Gardens - Volunteer Day

Sunday 26th October, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens

Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-october-a8f94271-ac93-4927-92ad-e5562ccd6f00

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Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 8th November, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-november-1e1d62f9-abe7-49b1-97d4-e49ae3eea82b

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
Eslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedGeorgina Salzke-Spurr
Matt Burton
Simon Fitzmaurice

Moving Muscles

Monday 12th May

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On Monday evening (after an incredible thunderstorm, breaking some of the humidity lingering), Area Activator Simon met with Alice at the Arsenal Community Hub, ready for a social run towards the Islington / Harringey border. A nice 1.5 mile run up Sussex Way, and over to the idyllic Sunnyside Community Gardens near Elthorne Park. Upon our arrival, we met with the rest of our Goodgym Islington team (including first timer Georgina- welcome!) and main task volunteer Eslam who led us to the main compost cultivation site.

Our tasks for the evening were split between two main locations - Sunnyside Community Gardens and Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground.

Project 1 involved digging and shoveling some freshly processed compost from one bin, and moving to another location, mixing the material with additional matter as we go. Leaf mulch, old soil and donated cockles and muscles (!) were combined together for effective rotting before being expertly lifted into another bin, ready for more composting.

Project 2 required shovels, wheelbarrows and builder merchants bags. We took the opportunity to fill the sacks with woodchip and compost, before wheeling each sack up to Hornsey Rise Kickabout Gardens- an incredible community allotment and green space in progress. A minimum of 15 full sacks were moved and shifted between us over the course of the evening - well done everyone!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN MAY

Community Mission- Highbury Quadrant Estate Gardens 7.15pm, Highbury Quadrant Estate, Monday 19th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-highbury-quadrant-gardening

Group Run- Camden Estate Gardens 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 26th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-camden-estate-community-food-gardens-a57fe67c-0f2c-4104-98b9-938ddb1c81eb

Community Mission- Camden Estate Gardens 7.15pm, Camden Estate Gardens, Rowstock Gardens Monday 2nd June

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-camden-estate-community-food-gardens

—------------------------------------

Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

Arsenal Emirates Stadium Thursday 15th May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-47950339-2d63-4a65-8ca5-95eec0655f99

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 22nd May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-addfc9c2-e2a4-4d39-ac0d-e580031471d8

Green Park Thursday 29th May https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-0bb69e86-9c77-49b7-b0b6-1fedcb6cd097

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 5th June https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-a3ff6c7a-86fd-49cc-bf89-8bf08addadab

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Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 14th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-10

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Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 13th May, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House

On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.

Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-a70f79c4-2bb9-4375-8314-293959057b3a

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Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday 21st May

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-e046bbad-3961-4fc8-9836-9ebf5a2bbe77

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Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 13th May

Tuesday 20th May

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-cc03f02a-1a52-4a97-a092-dc6cfdd264f7

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Kit Swap and Runner's Jumble at The Horatia

Tuesday 13th May, 7.30-9pm, The Horatia Pub

Do you have sports kit that doesn't get used as much as it could?

Or would you prefer to keep your lovely nice running shoes ready for race day, and have a spare pair for Goodgym tasks?

Simon from Goodgym Islington will be hosting an evening for swapping or donating your used running kit for those who need it.

All items can be swapped with participants and sign ups, and anything left over can be taken home or offered to Preloved Sports, an organisation dedicated to keeping sports kit out of landfill.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/kit-swap-and-runner-s-jumble-at-the-horatia

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Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering

Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)

The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.

All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering

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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (May)

Saturday 17th May, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens

The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month.

Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-islington-friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-may

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Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!

Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford

Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.

The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted

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Penn Road Gardens - April Volunteer Day

Sunday 27th May, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens

Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road. https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/wwf-x-goodgym-islington-penn-road-gardens-open-morning-may

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London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!

Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH

An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!

Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.

Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers-7fc3f823-de75-4b32-9ada-ec2e94c7a51a

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
Eslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedMatt BurtonSally
Hermione Taylor

Turning over an old leaf

Monday 5th May

Written by Islington runner

This compost heap continues to outmaneuver us! Thanks to 4 Goodgymmers and Eslam for some hard shovelling.

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
Eslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedCaitlin RollisonLuke BurrageEmilyMatt BurtonSimon Fitzmaurice

Coffee Bean There, Done Chaff

Monday 24th March

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On another warm Spring evening (almost light- just around the corner now!), our Goodgym Islington team met up with Eslam at the amazing Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground garden project. Every time we return, the space has been transformed with new features added (the old donated bathtub has been subject to frog sightings- watch this space!).

Our objective for the night was to continue our previous task- filling up re-purposed coffee sacks with a mix of woodchip, soil, and coffee chaffs ("the papery husk that sheds from coffee cherries during the roasting process"). These sacks are then positioned around the gardens as compostable "pillows" for different planting beds.

The local community gardeners have already started to plant leafy greens and sturdy vegetables out of our first bedding place. It is wonderful to see the progress being made from our visits in real time! Within 45 minutes, our team had successfully filled 10 new sacks between us, and Eslam transported 5 cargo bike loads of woodchip up to the project.

Wonderful job, everyone! We will return next Monday for a group run session to Thornhill Square Gardens.


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN MARCH / APRIL

Group Run- Thornhill Square Gardens, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 31st March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-thornhill-square-gardens-summer-time-special

Community Mission- Barnsbury Square Gardens 7.15pm, Barnsbury Square Gardens Monday 7th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-friends-of-barnsbury-square-gardens

Group Run- Elizabeth House Food Hub 6.15pm (early start), Arsenal Community Hub Monday 14th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-elizabeth-house-food-hub-6-15-pm-start-easter-special

Community Mission- Timbuktu Adventure Playground 7.15pm, Timbuktu Adventure Playground, 31 Grenville Road Monday 21st April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-timbuktu-adventure-playground

Group Run- Highbury Quadrant Estate 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 28th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-highbury-quadrant-green-space-garden-maintenance

Community Mission- Sunnyside Community Gardens 7.15pm, Sunnyside Community Gardens, Monday 5th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting-b58e17f0-7881-4f9a-a24b-8438fce2b8e1

Group Run- Sunnyside Community Gardens 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub, Monday 12th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-sunnyside-community-gardens-composting

—------------------------------------

Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-099692a8-c920-490a-bd12-7c54f238c247

Green Park Thursday 3rd April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-2ac7d985-4c29-48ba-806a-b17afad7039b

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 10th April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-d35d794a-d813-4cb4-ba66-13782bb31631

—--------------------------------------

Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 2nd April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-6-ab6a4b95-d369-41e3-a661-2cceae24d142

Wednesday 16th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-8

Wednesday 30th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-9

Wednesday 14th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-10

—-------------------------------------

Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 25th March, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House

On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.

Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-6dd3c571-e226-4d61-9475-f0d16629fa75

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Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 26th March

Saturday 29th March

Wednesday 2nd April

Wednesday 23rd April

Wednesday 30th April

Wednesday 7th May

Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday 21st May

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-669d9281-ca40-409a-89e7-258e01874717

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Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 25th March

Tuesday 1st April

Tuesday 22nd April

Tuesday 29th April

Tuesday 6th May

Tuesday 13th May

Tuesday 20th May

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-8bd65d82-29e5-4c69-8640-5117fe42faec

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Penn Road Gardens - March Volunteer Day Sunday 30th March, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road. https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-march-76de9ec8-b771-45d3-bddc-2fd5650e46b6

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Camino Ultra London- Lea Valley Races Finish Line Party!

Saturday 29th March, 12 midday, Hackney Bridge, Stratford

The Camino Ultra London 50km and Gratitude 25km returns for 2025, stretching from Welwyn Garden City, to Ware, and then down the Lea Valley to our finishing line in Hackney Wick (Here East).

Race organisers Darren Strachan and David Bone aka DaznBone would love to invite the Goodgym community back to bring excitement and positivity to our runners, as they finish their races.

The theme is: Bring The Party!!!

Cowbells, cheers, noise makers, music and fun!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/camino-ultra-london-lea-valley-races-finish-line-party-9b26694e-5382-4354-ad3c-6a73c2656f85

—-----------------------------

Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 12th April, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-april-d3362b49-47b5-4344-9edb-ee2d44238f35

—--------------------------------------

Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (April)

Saturday 19th April, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens

The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month.

Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-april-6a69ce93-f13b-4b4b-8824-620f40072a25

—-----------------------------

Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering

Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)

The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.

All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering

—----------------------------

Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!

Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford

Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.

The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted

—---------------------------

London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!

Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH

An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!

Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.

Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers-7fc3f823-de75-4b32-9ada-ec2e94c7a51a

Read more
IslingtonGroup run
Ella GEslam Mohamed Mohamed AhmedSally
Simon Fitzmaurice

Heaps Good!

Monday 10th March

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

On Monday evening, Area Activator Simon, taskforce member Alison and task organiser Eslam met at the entrance of Sunnyside Community Gardens near Elthorne Park. The tool shed had been left open for all of our Goodgym volunteers (Sally and Ella too). Eslam, the task owner, alerted our team that he was taking some precautions after some illness, and relayed the plans for our Goodgym session from a safe distance.

Together, we made our way to a huge pile of compost at the North of the gardens- the same pile that we helped to create back in September. Our objective was to aerate the compost by shifting the green waste around, moving the older and more rotted down material to the top of the pile. We agreed that the four of us would pull the compost out of the bay, and then Eslam would move the compost back again after we had left (to maintain distance). Team work really brought the project together, well done everyone!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN MARCH

Group Run- Light of the World Church Community Gardening Project, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 17th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-lighthouse-community-project-gardening-dc4882e6-87c9-497d-acc5-7c51d4ea92a7

Community Mission- Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, 7.15pm, Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground, Monday 24th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-hornsey-rise-kickabout-playground

Group Run- Thornhill Square Gardens, 6.45pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 31st March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-thornhill-square-gardens-summer-time-special

Community Mission- Barnsbury Square Gardens 7.15pm, Barnsbury Square Gardens Monday 7th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-friends-of-barnsbury-square-gardens

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Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 13th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-84f58337-118e-4cd7-93e1-4710a9923494

Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-669c6d0f-bb64-4576-98f1-c6f03c2da136

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th March https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-099692a8-c920-490a-bd12-7c54f238c247

Green Park Thursday 3rd April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-2ac7d985-4c29-48ba-806a-b17afad7039b

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 10th April https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-d35d794a-d813-4cb4-ba66-13782bb31631

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Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 19th March

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-6

Wednesday 2nd April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-6-ab6a4b95-d369-41e3-a661-2cceae24d142

Wednesday 16th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-8

Wednesday 30th April

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-9

Wednesday 14th May

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-10

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Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 18th March, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House

On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.

Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-1450e758-d5eb-418d-ba4e-2651c88fc4e4

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Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 12th March

Wednesday 19th March

Saturday 22nd March

Wednesday 26th March

Wednesday 2nd April

Wednesday 23rd April

Wednesday 30th April

Wednesday 7th May

Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday 21st May

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-8930b7e9-1d9a-45cc-b3ed-a2d2486f5f6d

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Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 18th March

Tuesday 25th March

Tuesday 1st April

Tuesday 22nd April

Tuesday 29th April

Tuesday 6th May

Tuesday 13th May

Tuesday 20th May

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-tuesday-volunteer-morning-34693aec-7514-4df4-ac10-3274ae7e7ef0

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Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (March)

Saturday 15th March, 10am - midday, Canonbury Square Gardens

The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month.

Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-march-c9f36761-59b7-477b-ac15-1d1560267c7d

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Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 12th April, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-april-d3362b49-47b5-4344-9edb-ee2d44238f35

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Penn Road Gardens - March Volunteer Day

Sunday 30th March, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens

Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road. https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-march-76de9ec8-b771-45d3-bddc-2fd5650e46b6

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Camino Ultra London- Lea Valley Races Finish Line Party!

Saturday 29th March, 12 midday, Hackney Bridge, Stratford

The Camino Ultra London 50km and Gratitude 25km returns for 2025, stretching from Welwyn Garden City, to Ware, and then down the Lea Valley to our finishing line in Hackney Wick (Here East).

Race organisers Darren Strachan and David Bone aka DaznBone would love to invite the Goodgym community back to bring excitement and positivity to our runners, as they finish their races.

The theme is: Bring The Party!!!

Cowbells, cheers, noise makers, music and fun!

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/camino-ultra-london-lea-valley-races-finish-line-party-9b26694e-5382-4354-ad3c-6a73c2656f85

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Hackney Half Aid Station and Marshal Volunteering

Sunday 18th May, 7am onwards, Marion Place, Pritchard's Road (TBC)

The team at Motiv Sport have asked if our Goodgym team would be interested assisting with the 2024 Hackney Half Marathon on one of the 6 water and aid stations.

All volunteers that help in 2025 are offered a free place in any of our running events in 2026 (Hackney Half, London 10K, Oxford Half).

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/hackney-half-aid-station-and-marshal-volunteering

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Mack on Track 02: marshals and pacers wanted!

Thursday 22nd May, 6.30pm, London Marathon Community Track, Stratford

Mack on Track is a super inclusive 5000m track running event, with a twist. The objective is to help as many runner as possible get (or come close to) their personal beats for 5km by providing trusted pacers to do so.

The team are looking for helps to assist with registration of participants, alerting runners about when each pace group starts and cheering on the athletes!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/mack-on-track-03-marshals-and-pacers-wanted

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London 10km with Saucony- Water Station Volunteers!

Sunday 13th July, 7.30am onwards, Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH

An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!

Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.

Food and water provided, and a free entry for any 2026 event on the Motiv Sports roster will be offered to all volunteers!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers-7fc3f823-de75-4b32-9ada-ec2e94c7a51a

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🎶 Woodchips! Coffee! Chaff! 🎶

Monday 3rd February

Written by Simon Fitzmaurice

7 keen Goodgym folks joined Area Activator Simon and task organiser Eslam for our first return visit to Hornsey Rise Kickabout Playground in 2025. We started our group run from the Arsenal Community Hub, before connecting to Sussex Way and Sunnyside Garden Centre (approximately 3.4 mile round trip). All of our tools and materials had been set out ready for our arrival.

The Hornsey Kickabout Playground Garden is a re-generation project involving local green charities and the immediate neighbourhood. This under utilised basketball court is being transformed into a natural growing space, with the use of woodchips and soil. Our plan for the evening was to fill up lots of jute coffee sacks with woodchip, composted coffee cakes and chaff (a very soft wheat derived grain). The mixture will mix together, and help to create very rich compost for establishing new growing beds. Luke and Matt helped Eslam with transporting more woodchip to the site, while everyone else filled up as many coffee sacks as possible with woodchip, coffee and chaff. Looking forward to seeing the results in Spring!

Fantastic running and a assistance tonight, everyone! See you next week (Rose Bowl Youth Club)!


GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS


SESSIONS IN FEBRUARY

Community Mission- Rose Bowl Youth Club 7.15pm, Rose Bowl Youth Club Monday 10th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-rose-bowl-youth-club-48e38eb4-ec19-460e-acc7-44f1b8d402c1

Group Run- Elizabeth House Food Hub 6.15pm, Arsenal Community Hub Monday 17th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/group-run-elizabeth-house-food-hub-6-15-pm-start-a41b3ba5-fefd-44de-a5b7-34c1a81381ca

Community Mission- Caxton House Community Centre 7.15pm, Caxton House Monday 24th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/community-mission-caxton-house-painting-and-fabric-sorting-indoors

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Goodgym Islington February Post-Run Social

Monday 17th February, 8.15pm, The Woodbine Pub, Blackstock Road

After our scheduled group run, Area Activator Simon will be leading a walk to The Woodbine, Blackstock Road.

Delicious Thai food, refreshments and food times! Open for group runners, or anyone up for a social!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-february-the-woodbine-blackstock-road

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Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions

Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations

On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.

Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!

Stratford Olympic Park Thursday 6th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-7cdb905f-ec50-40f7-9932-ca8debf0354c

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 13th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-3f25f419-3aa6-4d75-b192-a9c3d2d4ec2f

Emirates Stadium Thursday 20th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-emirates-stadium-398b3240-7201-49b9-b73c-d75d86b6a86e

Paddington Rec Track Thursday 27th February https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-paddington-rec-track-f84dc6a2-273c-474c-bd46-5e29cc1d7268


JENKI Matcha with ON Running Spitalfields Group (February)

Saturday 8th February, 8.45am, ON Running Spitalfields

Every 1st Saturday morning of the month, ON Running Spitalfields and JENKI Matcha Café on Brushfield Street will be hosting a 5km social paced group run through East London and by St Katherine's Dock.

Meeting at ON Running Spitalfields store at 8.45am (Bag drop, community shoe try ones, run register, chat and catch up!)

Matcha and hot drinks on offer at special run club discount!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/on-running-spitalfields-x-jenki-morning-matcha-miles-855fa32d-afdb-4191-91b3-a98573852585

—--------------------------------------

Track and Towpath Social Running Sessions

Every Wednesday (fortnightly), 7.30am, Mile End Athletics Track

If you are looking for accessible training sessions that can be included in your schedule, then come and join Area Activator Simon for his fortnightly runs.

Track training is always more fun with others, and these are designed to be sociable and open to all!

Structured training sessions, followed by refreshments at The Yurt Café, Limehouse!

Wednesday 5th February

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-3

Wednesday 19th February

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/track-towpath-morning-social-track-session-mile-end-4

—-------------------------------------

Elizabeth House Food Hub- Lunchtime Sweep Up Task!

Tuesday 4th February, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Elizabeth House

On Tuesday afternoons, during term time, the team at Elizabeth House Food Hub have requested for an extra pair of hands to help with cleaning and tidying up their donation centre.

Expect some satisfying sweeping and surface cleaning to assist this busy team!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/elizabeth-house-food-hub-lunchtime-sweep-up-task-22595bc2-d937-476c-b879-c6f9d55be150


Compton Terrace Gardens- Volunteer Session

Saturday 8th February, 10am - 1pm, Union Chapel, Islington

A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!

A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.

Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people. We meet once a month on a Saturday morning near the shed in the middle of the Gardens.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/compton-terrace-gardens-volunteer-open-morning-february-8f321f6b-5232-4c4d-b4db-6350640529f9


Canonbury Square Gardens Volunteer Morning

Saturday 15th February, 12 midday - 2pm, Canonbury Square Gardens

The Friends of Canonbury Square Gardens host an open community gardening session on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month.

Usual tasks would include bulb planting, trimming, laying compost, maintaining flower beds and litter picking.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/friends-of-canonbury-square-volunteer-morning-february-05f8aaf9-760b-413a-a1ee-43e6d3173c91

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Green Guardians Spring Sessions

The Garden Classroom, Newington Green

Wednesday 5th February

Wednesday 12th February

Saturday 22nd February

Wednesday 26th February

Next session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-newington-green-green-guardians-volunteer-morning-0941625a-6815-4902-a875-2a9d75aaedf5

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Market Road Gardens

Tuesday 4th February

Tuesday 11th February

Tuesday 25th February

Next Session:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/the-garden-classroom-market-road-gardens-friday-volunteer-morning-186cfc0b-270a-4078-9ec2-d363f09969d3

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Penn Road Gardens Open Morning (February)

Sunday 23rd February, 10am - 12 midday, Penn Road Gardens

Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.

Local volunteers will be on hand to direct anyone who arrives to offer their help between 10am- midday. Come on down to enjoy a lovely morning community task!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/penn-road-gardens-open-morning-february-9fa349e3-06fb-47c7-866d-09df1379716e

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Saint John's Garden: Building a Dead Hedge and Garden Maintenance

Saturday 22nd February, 11am - midday, St John's Garden

Friends of St John's Garden community group would LOVE Goodgym's help to build and maintain their dead hedges and as an optional lighter task help sweep the garden paths.

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/saint-john-s-garden-building-and-a-dead-hedge-and-garden-maintenance

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Met League Cross Country Series- Goodgym Race Team

Various locations, October 2024 - February 2025

Met League Cross Country is a set of five 7-8km races organised by London race clubs. They are held in parks and forests around London with the routes including a mixture of grass, gravel and a fair bit of mud (it is XC after all!)

Sign up to the Goodgym Race Team for £15, and enter ALL 5 RACES for the bargain price of £20!

Newbies encouraged and welcomed- the most fun you can have running over the Winter months!

Fixtures

8th February Trent Park https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-met-league-cross-country-trent-park

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