Dancing At Lunacy

parkrun #392, event #107

Reason for visit: There’s been a rash of new Norn Irn parkruns opening in recent weeks, so all the regionaries are trying to once again complete the set. With a rare Friday AND Saturday off work, I took the train up to the north coast to visit my parents in Portstewart, which is only a few miles from this Coleraine venue.

Access:

The course is based around Christie park on the Strand Road.

Course:

It’s a T-shaped course run on the riverside walk by the mighty River Bann. From the start point by the underpass, go left to a turnaround point, then head the other direction to a turnaround point (which will be your half way mark), and then repeat the first turnaround. Start and finish at the same area. Tarmac path the whole way, quite narrow so there is a very strict “keep right” instruction repeated throughout. It’s very pretty down by the river, and Coleraine is famous for its Olympic rowers, so expect to see rowing teams out practising.

Facilities:

Plenty of car parking in the Riverside Retail Park, where there are also many options for loo/ cafe. There are a small number of car parking paces at Christie park itself, also a toilet block. Note – if you use the underpass/ subway route you will be on the wrong side of the busy dual carriageway to reach the retail park – please use safe crossing points.

Crowd:

Lots of familiar faces among the 150 or so attending event 4. This is the town where I went to school, so I said hi to a few old school chums as well as other parkrun friends. I did have to “shush” a chatty pair behind me during the run brief – I am constantly surprised by how often this poor etiquette is displayed. Nearby Portrush parkrun is a “no dogs” course during the summer months, so any canine pals will probably find a seasonal home here.

Gear:

I was in my blue Hokkas, waterproof leggings, had my cow cowl and 250 T shirt on, barely visible under my blue jacket. I got absolutely drenched. There is very little shelter on this path, so if there is any rain or wind you are going to feel it. Umbrellas and umbrella hats were teh order of the day!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

Filed under: Parkrun, running | Tagged: ni parkruns, parkrun, parkrun tourism, running, travel |