There was a change of scenery for those involved with Ross-on-Wye parkrun as local cider-maker Mike Johnson kindly offered to host an ‘alternative’ parkrun on his farm on Saturday, March 7.

The event proved to be a success with 69 runners taking part including 12 people from different running clubs along with 19 Ross-on-Wye first timers, and despite the slightly hiller conditions almost everyone crossed the finish line all with smiles on their faces.

The undulating course offered a different challenge to many used to the traditional Ross-on-Wye park run with the course varying from uphill to downhill tracks, and weaving its way through the various orchards.

Marshals in hi-vis jackets arrived at the farm as early as 6am Saturday morning to ensure everything was in order on the course and set up for the runners.

The Johnson family have been pressing apples and pears at Broome Farm since the 1930s.Today their natural cider is produced in the same traditional way in the unique soil and climate of Herefordshire. The cidermaking is pure and simple, using only whole juice, and allowing natural fermentation.

The family now also have their own cider shop and are the proud tenants of the Yew Tree Inn at Peterstow.

Ever since Kenelm Johnson (Mike’s Father), won Supreme Champion at The Cider Museum Competition in 1991, the Johnson family have maintained a winning pedigree.

In 2019, from an original pool of 400 nominations the Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Company won Best Drinks Producer.

Mike and his family host regular cider tours as well as an annual cider festival in September, where other local cider-makers are also invited to trial their produce to the general public.

Speaking to the Gazette about the park run plans, Mike said: “Simon Lennane got in contact with us recently as they have been looking for alternative locations for the parkrun, and we were only too happy to help. It has been devastating to see the damage caused in Ross by the recent floods and we are happy to help in anyway we can.

Asked about whether the park run could become a regular fixture at Broome Farm, Mike added: “Depending on how successful and happy people are with the course, we would be interested in hosting more park runs here. There is a great community spirit in Ross and if we can add to that in any small way we would be very happy.”

Speaking after his run, Tom Edmonds said: “There was stunning scenery throughout the orchards, and it was particularly nice to see so many people sporting purple in recognition of International Women’s Day.

“Thanks should go to the his-vis heroes who made the event possible, with a special shout out to St Mary’s School who supplied 16 marshals for the event, as well as the core team at Ross-on-Wye parkrun who were at Broome Farm at 6am making sure it was ready for us runners.

“Finally a massive thank you must also go to Mike Johnson for approaching the core team to offer his orchards to us for our Saturday morning antics, we greatly appreciate his efforts in supporting us in finding an alternative location which offered some great challenges.”

For more information and news on Ross-on-Wye parkrun please visit their Facebook page or website www.parkrun.org.uk/rossonwye