Parkour returns

Last week I was taking an evening stroll near the Capitol in Madison when I saw coming toward me a group of young men. They were leaping over the low fence that separates the sidewalk from the lawn among other stunts.

I thought at first this was alcohol-fueled revelry, but when they started turning back flips off the marble steps, it was clear these guys had some real skills.

It was also clear they were devotees of Parkour. I had run across a similar group last year and ended up videotaping them for an In Wisconsin story that was recently rebroadcast. Check it out, if you are unfamiliar with the running, vaulting and climbing over obstacles that makes up this unusual recreation.

In that case, dozens had come to town for a Parkour "jam". This time a smaller group were in Madison to celebrate the informal "National Parkour Day" a sort-of virtual Parkour jam with participants taking part wherever they happen to be.

I just happened to taking a walk when I once again got a chance to watch these impressive informal atheletes. Fun.