I have
vague memories of
Kingsbury Water
Park from many (many, many) moons ago and heard about this race and decided to give it a go.
It's described as "a beautiful venue belonging to Warwickshire County
Council situated in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside between Tamworth and
Sutton Coldfield. The 10k is a two lap off-road race following a route that is
mainly off road through magnificent scenery.
Two laps of footpaths, grass tracks and a short tarmac section twisting
around the lakes and pools of the water park, with a section alongside the
river."
Pleased to report that the race was as described. The car parking was free.
The facilities - toiltets, shop and cafe - at the park itself were open which
is useful for runners and spectators alike. The weather was sunny and full on
glare in your face for parts of the course - always useful when you don't bring
sunglasses with you.
The race started on time and as described the majority was off road along
grass tracks. There were a few up and down bits which took a little bit of
extra care as they'd gottent quite muddy but hopping gracefully (almost deer
like) between tufts of grass seemed to do the trick.
A trophy,bottle of water (or energy drink) and a banana at the finish.
Couldn't ask for too much more.
I paced myself using the km markers provided and had a fair bit left for a
strong finish - a good sign as i've got a half-marathon coming up soon and i'd
really like to do a season's best at it. This was a good indicator that this
can be achieved so am quite positive about everything.
Only a couple of downpoints. Firstly my knee decided to play up a bit. It
can get quite tight but it passes after a couple of stretch sessions - it used
to be a lot more permanent (so good and bad). Secondly was that the course
itself came up a little bit short on the old Gary the garmin measurement. Aware
of the discrepencies that a Garmin can produce but it only logged in at just
over 9km.
But all in a good off road race and a great venue so hope to return for some of the other races that are staged here.