parkrun tourism: Tamar Lakes

Posted on November 29, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun #381 event#104

Reason for visit: a weekend in Devon with my grandkids! The promise – a cottage by a lake, hot tub, kayaking on the lake, parkrun, aquarium, maybe a trip to the seaside……..

Access:

My son (and grandkids) live near Salisbury (plane to Southampton, train to Salisbury from the station literally across the road, there are at least 2 an hour, and you get to watch the many many freight trains on this line). Three hour drive to Devon. We were staying in a cottage in north Devon, and on Saturday morning followed the very good sat nav directions from the parkrun page.

Facilities:

Good car parking,with a marshal to direct you, but you do need to pay. Toilets. Cafe during summer hours only.

Course:

It’s a beautiful run round the Tamar lakes, crossing into Cornwall at some point, and in the beautiful autumn colours it was just a glorious way to start a Saturday morning. Pretty flat – there are one or 2 inclines which might challenge a wheelchair or buggy, but wide gravel paths all the way. Big love to the volunteers who had to pick up those spilled finish tokens in the mud!

Crowd:

Stable numbers are around the 100 mark – the weekend we were there was Storm Bert which had resulted in MULTIPLE cancellations across the country, so I thought there may be more attendees, but perhaps folk were avoiding getting stuck in flooded roads. (See later). One of thier regular runners was fundraising for an upcoming marathon, so there was a fundraising bun stand

Many gorjus doggies, including a pointy eared ginger Portuguese hound, and of course our own sprocker, Apollo.

Gear:

It was cold and windy, and I’m not running fast these days. Windproof trousers, Sauconys that I travelled in, warm Michelin jacket, and Cow Bobble..

Time:

I was supposed to be the responsible adult of an under 11, but I was far too slow for him, so I jiggedy jogged around in just over 53 minutes.

Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:

OK. Let me fast forward you to the Sunday, where my return journey was spent in the back of a recovery truck, avoiding the flooded roads, gridlocked town centres, accident blocked tiny roads…..and the song on the radio was “The tide is high, but I’m holding on…”

And the rest:

Storm Bert put the kybosh on any hot tubs, kayaking, or seaside strolls. We had a few splashy puddle walks, an indoor climbing wall session, takeaway fish’n’chips, and then the van was displaying warning signs, so there was no way we were driving back.

Hence the recovery truck return journey, with my son and I exchanging awful Hamilton puns (Look around, look around, how lucky we are to be alive right now!), and us negotiating closed ring roads hence 40 minute stand offs up and down a steep hill, 33 point turns when a road was blocked by an accident, and then 10 miles form home having to take a half hour break, for understandable tachograph safety rules. Truly Unforgettable!

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Paisley Park parkrun

Posted on October 19, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun #379 event #103

Regionnaire status regained!

The newest addition to Norn Irn’s parkruns is Paisley Park, in north Belfast. I visited on their event number 3, on a beautiful crisp sunny autumn day.

Access:

It’s in Belfast, so it will be pretty easy for locals and visitors alike to get there. Bus routes are listed on the parkrun page, but I managed to get a lift there, and met enough running chums there to arrange a lift home again (Thank you Liz and Emma!)

Facilities:

There is very little car parking on site. The area is shared with a playing pitch so there are football things happening at the same time. A few loos available in the changing rooms. No cafe on site, but a number of options nearby, including McDonalds where the team meet. Its launch was celebrated with a plaque, commemorating the breaking of a 4 minute mile here in Belfast.

Crowd:

Being fairly new, there are lots of tourists such as myself making sure we have ticked off all the events in Norn Irn, so I recognised quite a few faces. I was also “cow cowled!” by a visitor from further afield. There were 176 at this, their number 3, I’d expect that to level off around 80 in weeks to come.

Course:

I did find it a little confusing. It starts with 2 laps of the track, once on the outer lane and once on the inner, before heading past the car park onto the greenway, where 2 loops have to be run, before heading BACK to the track for a final 2 laps. I only did one of those final laps, oops!

Most of the path is tarmac, so road shoes are advised, and watch out for slippy leaves. The views, though, are stunning, over the city, and I found myself reciting Wordsworth:

Earth has not any thing to show more fair:

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty:

This City now doth, like a garment, wear

The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,

Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie

Open unto the fields, and to the sky;

I did take lots of photos, but my stoopit iPhne is playing up and didn’t capture them. It is slightly undulating, but not overly so. But the 2 loops do mean that there are parts where there are runners going in both directions, so remember to keep left where indicated.

Gear:

I was in my usual windproof trousers, long sleeved base layer, blue T with handy zips (for my debit card, bus pass and emergency fiver), cow cowl, headband and world tourist cap. Zipped waist belt for phone. Could have done with gloves!

Time:

My official time was 41m15, but as I had inadvertently omitted the final lap that wasn’t strictly correct.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Thames Path, Woolwich

Posted on September 17, 2024 by lindaharley

event #102 parkrun#376

Reason for visit: My daughter’s West End debut, why thank you for asking!

Access:

The meeting point is in James Clavell Square, where the statues don high viz vests so that the many visitors can find it.

The course page is very good at using “what three words”, and when I discovered that the code for this was “tulip.patch.runner”, well, there was a location with my name on it! (Have I told you about the tulips?). I was staying in theatreland, and rode one stop from Leicester Square to Tottenham Court Road, where I changed onto the lovely sparkly new Elizabeth Line (referred to by all as The Lizzy Line) to Woolwich, a journey of about 20 minutes.

The Lizzy Line has great big long trains, so I’ve never found it to be crowded (but then I’m not commuting). I did have to remind myself that parkruns in England start at 9.00, rather than the Irish and Scottish civilised 9.30s that I’m used to.

Crowd:

It’s a fairly recent addition to the London parkruns, so still attracts a lot of visitors. I got chatting to a few fellow cow cowls, as well as someone who was doing their first ever parkrun and had already invested in a barcode wristband! A few buggies and dogs, and a handful of walkers alongside speedier runners.

Course:

The original “Curly Wurly”, with a spiral section, was Somerdale Pavilion, but this course also incorporates a spiral path section in Gallions Park, with a circuit of the bench at the top. So some have christened it the “Walnut Whip”.

Aside from that part, it’s pretty flat, run mostly on the Thames path along the river, affording cracking views. Encouraging signs, featuring the swirly spiral symbol, bring a smile.

Facilities:

There are loos nearby, and any number of cafes for parkfaffing afterwards. Sadly I couldn’t stay as I was meeting J for breakfast (and therefore quite grateful of the 9.00 am start)

Gear:

It was quite a warm day, but I was in my wind-proof black trousers, turquoise top with little zippy pocket, where I kept my bank card for zapping in and out of ticket barriers, and my waist belt for phone and tissues. World tourist baseball cap and sunnies. Wore my Saucony’s for travelling in.

Time:

I am not running regularly at all these days, and was adopting a “jog a bit walk a bit” approach (did not try running up the walnut whip, but ran all the way down), so I was quite happy with a run time in the low 40s.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I had so many earworms from the show the night before, and was also enjoying listening to the birdsong, and the lap of water from the rivers edge.

And the Rest:

Well, J was just amazing in the wonderfully mad, over-the-top, riot of laughs that is Why Am I So Single – it was just beautiful to watch her signing programmes at the stage door afterwards. Go see it!!!!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun toursim – The Fisherman’s Walk

Posted on June 2, 2024 by lindaharley

event #100 woohoo, full cowell

regionnaire status regained

My parkrun tourism is severely hampered these days due to 2 factors. Firstly, I have a part time job, which often requires Saturday working. Secondly, we are now a one-car family (being more environmentally friendly), but my other half needs the car on a Saturday morning. So if I DO have a Saturday off, I am reliant on the kindness of friends who can offer a lift. Step up Heather, fellow Jog Lisburner, who was my chauffeuse for the road trip to Portglenone. Thank you!

Access:

Portglenone (usually pronounced “own” but often jokingly called “one”, and in my lexicon now Port glen onehundred) is a charming little village on the north side of Lough Neagh. It has a marina, some lovely wee cafes, and a very pretty forest, famous for its bluebells. The parkrun is NOT at the forest, though, but at a riverside walk just outside the town. Good directions are given on the parkrun site, but you’ll need a car.

Facilities:

There is a small car park by the start/finish area, though runners are encouraged to leave it for other users, especially fishermen. Parking on the main street is easy enough to find. There’s also a portaloo onsite, as well as a toilet block before the bridge. Coffee afterwards in the village. The volunteers are very friendly and manage the big numbers very efficiently, and a photographer produces some excellent photos.

Course:

A lollipop shaped course with a run out to a loop, down twice. Arrows and marshals make sure you wont get lost. Cattle grids are covered with mats. No real hills to be concerned about, gravel path mostly, with the odd muddy patch. Beautiful views along the riverside.

Crowd:

It’s still the new kid on the Norn Irn block, so is very popular with those completing the NI set. I chatted to a few other Jog Lisburners, other cow cowl chums delighted to be getting another T, and ambassador Matt, with his wife Ruth who has recently celebrated her 600 volunteer milestone. What an achievement! Good course for dogs ( long hard Paddington stare at someone running with 2 dogs). The start is a little narrow, but sensible seeding with slower runners and walkers at the back reduces any congestion.

Gear:

Cow leggings, 100 volunteer shirt, black headband, blue hokkas. And of course my cow cowl. I’d had a moment of panic on Friday when I couldn’t find it, but a quick prayer to St Anthony did the trick – he can apparently even find lost cows. Blessed be the cow, and also with moo.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

No headphones with me, I was enjoying the birdsong. But my earworm was of course 100 miles from The Proclaimers.

And the rest:

I did of course have cake! I’m not a baker, but Sainsburys (other supermarkets are available) do a “decorate it yourself” iced Madeira. I rolled out some yellow icing and made holes in it with a bottle top. Then used a cow shaped cutter and black icing, before adding the words with an icing pencil. Small but beautifully formed, if I do say so myself!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Jesmond Dene

Posted on May 5, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun #372 event#99

Reason for visit: seeing the amazing Jemima Brown in a performance of award nominated Surge.

Access:

I’d never been to Newcastle before, and the journey was fairly straightforward. Well, a 7 a.m flight isn’t the easiest to negotiate, particularly with the frankly sub-standard public transport links to Aldergrove, but security and boarding were smooth and quick, and 40 minutes later we were touching down in “the Toon”. I was mightily impressed by the frequent, clean, and cheap Metro services to and from the airport, which took me (via the Jesmond stop) to Central Station, right across from the County Hotel, where I was staying. By 9 am I had dropped off my bags, done a recce wander, and by 11 I was sharing a cappuccino with darling daughter.

For Jesmond Dene parkrun, I got the metro back out to Jesmond. As it’s on the airport route, the service is quite frequent, about every 15 minutes on a Saturday, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. From the metro station, turn left, and walk all the way down Jesmond Road until you see signs for Jesmond Dene. It’s about a 15 minute walk. I got a 38 bus back into the city centre.

Facilities:

The briefing takes place near Millfield House, where there are loos and a cafe (and an ice cream van and a pets corner). When I visited there was a great market happening on Armstrong Bridge, where I enjoyed an iced latte and a granola breakfast cookie. Coats and bags can be left at the scanning area.

Course:

Oh my stars it is hilly! And has steps! And a resident puddle known as “Mr Puddle”. I’m pretty sure I also encountered Mrs Puddle as well as various Masters and Misses Puddles. But it is stunningly beautiful. Definitely no prams, and no dogs, though there were plenty of dog walkers around.

Crowd:

200 or so, I got chatting to a cow-legging wearer, and a local runner. But by the time I’d finished they had all disappeared, so I didn’t get much park-faffing.

Gear:

It was May 4th, so of course I had to wear some Star Wars clothing! I have an R2D2 dress, and Chewbacca/ Big Bang T shirt, so I wore them both. Black windproof leggings, parkrun world tourist cap, and had my cross body bag slung around me. Blue Hokkas that I’d travelled in, and was very worried about returning in, following my encounter with Mr Puddle. Dress code around here seems to be skirt the size of a hanky, and shoes like housebricks. (Not for parkrun, though. )

Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:

I had no headphones with me, but was enjoying the birdsong in the trees.

Time:

I was very slowly jog walking, barely keeping ahead of the tail walker, so 51 minutes. Do I care? I’m out there taking some exercise in the fresh air.

And the Rest:

Well, I certainly made the most of my time in this friendly and scenic city! I managed to get a walk on the beach followed by fish and chips, charity shop bargain hunting, sipping a cocktail in a rooftop bar, an art gallery, science museum, castle, and of course as a bridge aficionado there are 7 unique and stunning ones to enjoy. Highly recommended!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Montalto Estate

Posted on April 21, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun#371 event#98

Regionaire Regained!

I’ve got a wee summer job (yay!). But it means I often have to work on Saturdays (boo). A couple of weeks ago I had a Saturday off, AND it was scheduled to be Montalto’s inaugural (yay!), But then along came Storm Olivia, and the whole estate was closed (booo). Last week they were able to have their inaugural, but I was working (boooo), but I did manage to make it to their event number 2 (yay!)

Access:

You need a car, there is no public transport option. We are currently a one-car family, and the real pinch point is that my husband needs the car each Saturday morning, where he has to be in Ballynahinch at 10 am. Handily enough, Montalto is just around the corner from the town, and those times aren’t too bad for a drop-off /pick-up for me, so I suspect Montalto Estate will become a common feature of my parkrun journey over the next few months. (On those Saturdays when I’m not working ). And as it’s dog friendly and has a great cafe, this will be no hardship!

Plenty of car parking, and it was being efficiently marshalled.

Facilities:

Super cafe, and you get to spend some time in the beautiful grounds afterwards if you aren’t rushing off. There are toilets in the courtyard, as well as in the next block along. There’s also an enclosed dog exercise area beside the car park, so Toby could have a bit of a meet’n’greet with the other pooches before setting off.

Course:

The estate is home to some charming views and gorgeous flora. But oh my it is HILLY! I was discussing with other parkrunners, and we reckon this may just be the most brutal course in Norn Irn. Brutal, but bootiful.

There’s a narrow funnel to get through before the start, and the paths are mostly gravel and not very wide. 2 laps, so there’s more room to choose your line on the second one.

Crowd:

There had been over 400 at the inaugural, with 250 when I attended. I’d expect it to level off at around 100. Lots of dogs, it’ll appeal to those who just want to take Fido for walkies. A few prams, bravely coping with those hills. And quite a few young uns. I spotted my first “bring back the stats” T shirt in the wild.

Gear:

I wore my 250 top, though the numbers are peeling off, warm trousers, cow cowl and headband. Toby was in a purple harness.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I was listening to the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest entries, and was inspired by Luxembourg’s “Fighter” as I struggled on the upward sections.

Time:

I was walking the ups and running the downs (though they are so steep that it was hard to make up much time on them) So 49 mins. Hey, it looks like I’ll be revisiting a few times, so I’ll get to improve on that.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Portobello

Posted on March 28, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun #336 event#91

Reason for visit – celebrating the centenary of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society! The www.https://rscds.org is headquartered in Edinburgh, and was holding a fabulous Ball in the Assembly Rooms.

Access:

My journey to the city was, as usual, fraught with difficulties. I’d originally booked with FlyBe, about 2 days before they went into administration. So I rebooked with Easyjet going out, and Ryanair coming back. And then Ryanair cancelled THAT flight. So, feeling a bit guilty about my carbon footprint, I booked myself onto the rail-and-sail option. Except there were road closures just north of Cairnryan, and the long diversion meant that my bus was just pulling up to the ferry terminal as the boat was setting off. Note to travellers, there is NOTHING to see or do at Cairnryan, so make sure you have a book or magazine, and a handy snack, just in case.

I was staying at the Premier Hub just behind Waverley Station, which was a good central location. I did take a taxi to the parkrun to make sure I got to the right place on time (not always an infallible plan, see parkrun tourism: Beeston). And I got to Figgate Park in plenty of time to have a wander and try to take some photos, though my phone camera was playing up. Remember that Scottish parkruns start at 9-30! It was simple enough to find a bus to take me back to the city afterwards.

Course:

The course is all on tarmac paths, 3 laps of the rather linear shaped park around the lake and burn. No hills to speak of. Volunteers hold up expected finish times at the start line, so that some self seeding takes place as it is quite narrow.

Crowd:

There were 2 other cow cowl wearers, so we had fun comparing stories and adventures. The RD for the day was originally from Belfast – bout ye! A couple of buggies and dogs weaved their way through the youngish crowd.

Time:

I didn’t have headphones with me, so I was using a rough guide to “walk a minute, run a minute” by counting to 60 (for the runny bits) and to 30 (for walking), in English, French, Spanish and German. And I skip-changed over the finish line at just over 47 minutes.

Gear:

It was a dreich morning, so my MVP was my world tourist rainproof jacket, a lovely turquoise layer that handily folds into its own pocket and clips around the waist. It also provides a good talking point. I was very glad I had gloves and a headband, and my winter trousers which have an extra bit at the front of the thighs for warmth. I wore my Saucony trainers – road shoes for this one.

Facilities:

There are NO loos in the park, so make sure you go before you leave. The nearest cafes are on the charming promenade, where I tucked into a haggis roll and an Irish cream latte from the Crumbs kiosk. The beach stretches as far as the eye can see, with dogs cavorting up and down, living their best life.

And the rest:

The whole weekend was rather splendid, travel woes aside. It did mean I could carry home my limited edition centenary bottle of scotch. And my feet have just about recovered from 2 evenings of dancing to some fabulous live music, with friends from all over the world.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Beeston

Posted on March 22, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun#335 event#90

Reason for visit – the fabulous Jemima Brown in the premiere of Surge!

http://tomdale.org.uk/production/surge/

I’d originally hoped to do Wollaton Hall, being walking distance from the hotel where I was staying on the Nottingham University campus. But it was cancelled this week (tourist tip – check the volunteer roster in advance), and Beeston was the next closest.

Access:

My journey had been fraught with difficulties. I’d booked flights to East Midlands with Fly Be, 2 days before they went into administration. So rebooked with Easyjet going via Birmingham, which is a good couple of hours away by in. I asked the hotel to book me a taxi, and watched them write “Weir Fields Playing Grounds” on a post it note, But when I got out where the taxi stopped and looked around I could tell I wasn’t in the right spot. The sign said “Beeston Playing Fields”, which was a very small pitch with little signs of life. I checked google maps which told me the location I wanted was a mile and a half away, estimating a 49 minute walk. And it was already 8.20! I could have cried. But instead I jog-walked in the direction I needed, hoping that at least I could play “catch the tail walker”. As 9 o clock loomed I could see a few other runners, and finally the welcome sight of a marshall, and I managed to join the throng just before the start whistle went.

What Three Words – Quick Flood Fits is the bridge crossing the canal to the car park.

The train station is a bit closer than the tram stop, but both are still a good distance away. The parkrun page gives details of other buses nearby.

Course:

Today we ran the alternative course, starting at the pavilion, along the canal and round in a big loop, before a final out and back and a little circuit on grass. The terrain was quite muddy, trail shoes might be an option particularly if it has been raining. No hills to speak of.

Crowd:

There were 300 ish that day – some were surprised it wasn’t more given that there were 2 cancellations of other local events. I fell in with a great bunch of women who scooped me up doing “walk a minute run a minute”, and we chatted our way around, discussing dogs, dancing and touring. I even made the run report!

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/beeston/news/2023/03/19/389-her-spirit/

I saw a couple of other cow buffs, but didn’t get a chance to say hi. There were a few runners with dogs and buggies.

Gear:

I wore my leggings with pockets (good for holding hotel key), With Me Now top, and cow cowl. Cracker, my squirrel mascot, came attached to my running belt. Blue hokkas – since I would have to wear them on the plane tomorrow I was trying NOT to get them too wet or dirty….

Time:

The “jeffing” approach of walk-run resulted in a time of 45 minutes, which I was happy enough with.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I had an earworm of Angelica singing “I came all this way!” from Hamilton as I made my way to the start. I had my bone conductor headphones with me, and was having a first listen through the songs for this year’s Eurovision. I always try to do this initial hearing without knowing which country they are from. So expect the usual madness with unicorns, watergun, Mama driving a tractor (?), something VERY French (tout le monde, mon sac a main), and a jaunty saxophone. Oh, and Edgar Allen Poe.

Facilities:

The car park gets very busy, particularly if there are other activities taking place.

There’s a toilet block by the pavilion.

And a very cute cafe serving crumpets, toast with marmite, bacon butties and a tempting selection of cakes. I couldn’t resist the cheese scones, just out of the oven.

And the rest:

Well Jemima was just brilliant, I was delighted I could be there from the premiere. I managed to get dancing with Nottingham RSCDS on the Saturday night, and J took me for Mothers Day brunch at Browns on the Sunday morning. Just the perfect weekend!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Salisbury

Posted on March 9, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun#334 event#89

One of the nicest reasons to indulge in a bit of tourism – visiting my first grandchild!

Getting There:

Salisbury itself is not the easiest city to get to from Norn Irn. Bristol airport is a good hour and a half away, with trains about once an hour. Southampton airport is a bit closer, but much more expensive. We stayed in the Qudos hotel in the centre, about 20 minutes walk or 5 minutes by car.

The postcode given on the parkrun site is for the building opposite the park, so be prepared to ignore your sat nav once you can see the car park at Churchill Gardens. There’s a good amount of parking (though I wonder what next week’s event no 333 Nelson number will attract!), but a very narrow height barrier to get through.

Facilities:

There’s a toilet block by the car park. A coffee cart used to be available, maybe it will be there in the summer months. Lots of play areas for family and spectators to amuse themselves.

Course:

On the plus side, it’s pretty flat, and good tarmac all the way. On the minus side it’s a spur to the perimeter and then FOUR laps. So keep counting. It is also quite close to running water, and can be prone to flooding, so do check for the latest updates.

Volunteers:

Great friendly bunch of volunteers! The tailwalkers were wearing dinosaur tails, and one marshall had a selection of running music to keep us all motivated.

Gear:

I was in my new leggings wot have pocketses, so I carried my phone in there, and listened to the latest “With Me Now” podcast on my bone conductor headphones. I wore my WMN top and cow cowl, but didn’t see any other obvious tourists. I wasn’t wearing a smart watch, so I wasn’t keeping an eye on my time.

Time:

I’m still not managing to get to training sessions, so this is the only running I do, and a time of 41-49 was what I was expecting. Hey, I could well be back in the future, so always leave yourself the chance to get a PB on a repeat visit!

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I am now a fan of listening to podcasts while I run, as it can really take your mind off the pain of running. WMN is of course a great soundtrack, but I’ve also been enjoying Dr Xand’s investigation into ultra processed foods (UPFs).

Post run:

We enjoyed a fabulous full fry at Carwardrine’s cafe in town. Great friendly service, highly recommended.

And the rest:

It’s a beautiful part of the world to spend a few days.

Thatched roofs decorated with animals, and I managed to achieve a bucket list item of seeing Stonehenge. Salisbury cathedral is definitely worth a visit too, highest spire in GB, for useful quiz knowledge!

All my parkruns

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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Dulwich parkrun

Posted on October 22, 2021 by lindaharley

Event #77 run #289

Reason for visit: the London marathon, baby!

Access

I was staying with my daughter in Crystal Palace.  I didn’t want to redo that parkrun as I’d already done it ( twice!) and anyway it was cancelled that week. My alternative plan was to run Victoria Dock before dropping my bag off at the Excel. But IT was cancelled too! They knew that a lot of marathoners would have the same plan and didn’t have enough space for a safe event. So Jemima used her expert knowledge of local transport options, and worked out which bus I should get to arrive at Dulwich in time.

Course

This is well known as a fast course, and many parkrun records have been set here. The start and finish are in the same area, with the “ hang it on a tree” option for storing belongings. It’s 3 laps, wide tarmac surface all the way.

Facilities

There are loos behind the cafe by the bowling green.  I didn’t get a chance to try out the café but I believe it does good brownies.

Crowd

Usually about 300 or  so, there were 414 the day I attended. I did get chatting to a few other cow cowls, also in town for the marathon, but checking their what’s app to make sure their home events were running smoothly. A rather sweet grandfather-grandson pair were completing milestone (arbitrary) runs together.

Time

37:53, my fastest this year. But I’ve been focusing on long slow runs in prep for the big one.

Strangely appropriate song on shuffle

“I can’t keep up” by Silhouette

And the rest

Can definitely recommend City Mapper asa useful app for getting about by public transport.

Read all about The London Marathon

And you can still donate here

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/linda-harley6

Also see NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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