We headed to Chipping Sodbury parkrun in Bristol. Although apparently it is South Gloucester, so I believe part of the Gloss’d over challenge! Not to be confused with Chipping Norton School parkrun, Chippenham parkrun or Chippenham Playing Fields parkrun!
See more about Gloucestershire parkruns
The Ridings, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6GA
Chipping Sodbury parkrun Facilities
The Chipping Sodbury parkrun website actually says that the nearest toilets are available on the High Street. So we were delighted to discover that this was indeed not the case, and that there are some right by the start in the Clubhouse.
There’s ample free parking on-site but the car park gates close from 8:50 until approx. 9:45. This felt quite inclusive for some of the runners – but then a lot of people were also queuing to leave!
We were directed where to park and it was rather busy – we were told to park where the bins were in the way. But it was okay.
Chipping Sodbury parkrun Course
The course is three clockwise laps of the playing fields, starting approximately 100m north of the main car park and finishing just before the car park entrance.
The start was really busy and it didn’t feel as if people had self-seeded. It was narrow and took quite a while to thin out.
It goes around the edge of a field, but on path. It’s largely flat with a short downhill section. A marshal is at the point where you cut across a bit of car park which has speed bumps. Part of the course splits in a circle and you could go left or right. Overtaking is on the right.
There was a bit of gating to navigate around. One extremely small incline at the end of each lap – which is also by the finish. Jeffed a 30:30 and I never actually noticed it.
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at this event.
My Experience Jeffing
My calf had started hurting in the night so I wasn’t sure if I would even make it around the course. Coupled with the fact that it was so hot – that I decided to Jeff a 30:30. My watch then paused at the start and I hadn’t realised. Therefore, I didn’t know how long or far I’d run so very happy to get a sub 30.
We really liked how fun and inclusive Chipping Sodbury parkrun was. Everyone accepting of my Jeffing.
Also the marshal at the finish was asking people to go round the bag drop on the grass to the right – so that people still on the course didn’t feel slow as they could see people there more. I hope she enjoyed her first time marshalling.
The Sign was near a table – so not the most scenic shot – but at least they have one!
There was their Run Director on her Hen and so there were lots of people dressed up as hens (or chickens as they were referred to). It was nice to see that it was a really fun place to visit.
Finally a young girl did very well with the first timers briefing. This was despite the people talking right next to her.
We went to McDonald’s post parkrun and discovered that it really is quite expensive without staff discount!
Chipping Sodbury parkrun Stats Event 485
- 278 participants – 178 male, 95 female and 5 unknown.
- 51 people had never been to Chipping Sodbury parkrun before.
- Times ranged from 16:18 to 1:02:40. With the first female completing it in 21:03 (however, her course PB is 17:57!). Both first finishers were actually also the male and female highest age grading too.
- 172 participants completed in 30 minutes or less.
- 32 volunteers
Other Nearby parkruns we have completed
Pomphrey Hill parkrun (5.7m), Three Brooks parkrun (6.2m), Wotton parkrun (6.3m), Eastville parkrun (8.3m), Somerdale Pavilion parkrun (9.2m), Blaise Castle parkrun (10.5m), Berkeley Green parkrun (11m), Brickfields Park parkrun (11.5m), Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun (12.2m)
Also check out Mum of Three World Blog – it is Sarah who introduced us to parkrun and covers it quite a bit too.