California Country Park Run honours legacy of Ruby Lee with heartfelt tribute and charity drive

PHOTOS AND REPORT BY NICK MARR

The California Country Park Run community came together in a poignant tribute to Ruby Lee, a beloved Park Run marshal whose dedication to volunteering at the weekly event remains unmatched. A year after her untimely passing, runners gathered at the familiar grounds of the park on a crisp Saturday morning at 9 am to celebrate Ruby’s memory.

Ruby, who was often described as the spirit of the California Park Run, was known for her vibrant encouragement and unwavering support, especially at a challenging corner of the run that is now affectionately known as ‘Ruby’s Corner’. Her infectious smile and enthusiasm had made her a prominent figure, inspiring runners as they navigated the tough stretch.

Gill Manton, the event director and a friend of Ruby, shared with us their decision to dedicate the first run of December to Ruby’s memory. “It’s a gesture to honour the heart she put into the park run,” Gill said. “We’ve dedicated this day to Ruby and encouraged our runners to bring food donations for the Wokingham Food Bank in her memory.”

Before the starting signal, a mound of food donations was already growing, a testament to the community’s willingness to support a cause close to Ruby’s heart. The organisers delivered a heartfelt speech, urging participants to greet Ruby in spirit as they passed her corner, keeping her legacy alive in the laps and laughter of the park run she so adored.

California Country Park Run is more than just a run; it’s a free, inclusive community event held every Saturday, encouraging people to walk, jog, run, volunteer, or simply watch. It is the embodiment of community spirit, something that Ruby Lee personified and contributed to significantly during her time as a marshal.

In honour of Ruby, the event continues to thrive on the goodwill of volunteers, with the community extending an open invitation for more to join in organising the weekly runs. Ruby’s memory lives on not just in ‘Ruby’s Corner’, but in the very ethos of the California Country Park Run – where every step taken is a step towards togetherness, health, and communal support.

For those who wish to participate or volunteer, California Country Park Run awaits every Saturday, offering an opportunity to be part of a legacy of enthusiasm and community spirit that Ruby Lee so dearly nurtured.