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Rushmere parkrun

It has been a while since I last ran an offroad course, and longer still since I ran a hilly course, so this week was time to take up both challenges at the same time.

The area

Rushmere Country Park, is a collection of woodlands and heathland located in the south of Bedfordshire, and at the northern edge of the Chiltern Hills. The Country Park is specifically located on the Greensand Ridge, a long chalk escarpment stretching from Buckinghamshire to Cambridge.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and is a breeding ground for herons. A purpose-built heronry has been built near the nesting site to help visitors get a sight of the herons in their infancy. In addition, there is a maze of trails to explore should you still be feeling adventurous after your parkrun!

The course

The course is two laps of undulating trails, starting on the path near the cafe, and finishing on the meadow near the car park and the cafe.

Paid parking is available on-site, and free toilets are located at the cafe.

A sign for Rushmere parkrun

The run

We were told during the run briefing that some parts of the course were particularly muddy, and also that there were conkers on some parts of the course, so I was careful to pay extra attention around those areas.

While the course was hilly, it was very runnable still, and I found the course to be very pleasant - there were only one major downhill section. A couple of openings on the course allowed us to appreciate the views.

This event was the first time I had seen an event with a PB gong, located near the finish funnel. I heard a it ring out several times after I had finished, so it was definitely a popular idea!

Thank you to all of the volunteers today! I expect I will visit Rushmere again in the future for my own running outside of parkrun!

Links: Results | Strava

References: Greensand Trust

Labels:
Location: Rushmere Country Park - Stockgrove Entrance, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0BB, UK

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