New Park Run – Great Denham 22th April

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I loved this park run. Smaller than the others I’ve run with 174 runners this week. This, however gave it a super friendly vibe, like everyone knew each other.

I love how it’s a complete 2 laps of the Great Denham Park. Psychologically, 2 laps rather than 2.5 laps at Bedford or 3 laps at Storeys Field, makes it much easier. It’s very flat, running on paths the whole way, tarmac and gravel. This is a good Park Run if you’re aiming for a PB. Make sure you position yourself nearer the front at the start line, as it’s a bit of a jostle to get past people at the start, it’s quite narrow at the start.

It’s a lovely green space, with sports pitches and children’s playing areas. Along one side of the park is the River Ouse. I found that there was enough to look at and keep my mind off how out of breath I was! I didn’t quite get a PB but I wasn’t far off. 25m 21s and my PB sits at 25m 16s at Storey’s Field. I think it will take a lot of effort to beat that!

There are plenty of places to park. I took the Park Run website’s advice and avoided the car park directly next to the park. This car park gets super busy, so I parked in a car park next to the primary school which was around a half mile walk to the start line. This meant I got to have a little look around the village too.

There are plenty of options for post Park Run refreshment, if like me you need a pick me up afterwards! There’s the Archers Rest, which is right on the start/finish line and there’s also The Eatery which is near to the Sainsbury’s. Both of these look popular and good options for food and drink. I look forward to trying both, when I definitely return to try and beat my time next time.

I was in such a good mood after this Park Run that I was mad enough to enter the ballot for next year’s London Marathon. I always said that I would never want to run a marathon but recently I’ve been inspired. I know that I am very unlikely to secure a space but I thought it was worth a try.

Thank you Great Denham for a really friendly vibe and a lovely change to my usual Park Run. I’d love to do the alphabet challenge at some point so I have now ticked off B for Bedford, G for Great Denham, M for Milton and S for Storey’s Field.