08/07/2023: This, unbeknown to me at the time, would be the first of many at one of my local and now my regular Parkrun. I am quite blessed to have 7 parkruns within a 25 minute drive from me. With the main Northampton one being included in that. Held at 'The Racecourse', it is an incredibly flat and nice course to run. Not much to look at in terms of the scenery, being surrounded by town houses as it is in the centre of Northampton. However, this draws a lot of people to the Parkrun and the marshalls, volunteers and fellow runners are truly some of the best. The reason I keep going back is due to how supportive it is and now having got to know many runners, and also growing with them in terms of PBs, it's lovely to truly feel a part of that community.
As much as the course is fairly flat (with a small incline), I did find this one quite tough, I think due to the hot weather perhaps. With a nice 2 laps of the park, It never feels like you're too far away from the finish line. I do also think that it is lovely to have a full straight sprint finish... even though it can feel deceivingly much longer when running it than it looks when just watching aha!
First impressions of the racecourse certainly were a bit misleading as this is now my go to parkrun. One with a hugely great community atmosphere, topped off with a couple of beautiful bakery's in what I like to call the surrounding Artisan streets of Northampton. Namely The Old Grocery and Magee Street Bakery.
I can't quite remember which number parkrun this photo was, but defo from one of my first racecourse ones. The guy behind giving me some major encouragement to get over the finish line.
Personal Stats and Rankings (As of 11/10/2024): Northampton Parkrun
Current Course PB: 19:28
Course Events Attended: 30
Route (Terrain): 9
Route (Scenery): 5
Community & Atmosphere: 10
*Car Park (Price & Spaces): 3
*Cafe (Food & Price): 4
Overall: 31
*Out of 5
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