Course Description - Conkers

Conkers, described by Martin Yelling as a 'hidden gem' what more do we need to say. We are not one of the biggest (or smallest) but we are a friendly parkrun family who are looked after by Andrew (event director) who is our parkrun dad even though he's younger than most of us! We're always up for a laugh and some fancy dress. Course                 
Lollipop/out and back loop
Meeting point       
Bath Yard, Moira.We meet at the car park for Conkers Waterside Centre (many tourists and first timers end up at the main Conkers Waterside Centre so take note). We're 5 minutes from J13 of the M42.
Run briefing          
This takes place in the car park before we all head for the start line together. 

The start can be tricky to hear - I take complete blame for this as it is usually because of my 'yappy dog' but I find just following the crowd works! The run begins by heading under the tunnel about 200m in. After the tunnel there is a short incline to the top of the Ennstone Trail. Going round the corner along the trail we head along the old railway track which is tree lined.

1 mile in you come to the start of the 'lollipop' and continue on at Stephen's Gate down a slight decline before taking a sharp turn up an incline (Cheeky Hill/Happy Hillock - it has many names but doesn't get easier although it's over pretty quickly). At the top of the incline we turn right and head towards the canal (known as Buck's Turn, mainly because 'Buck' didn't turn one week and dragged a load of others with him!).

When you see the canal you're halfway. There is then a half km run along the canal tow path before taking a left turn back towards Stephen's Gate. Then you head back along the trail for the run back. When you hit the tarmac you know you're nearly home. Head back up the slight incline then let your legs go for the decline after before going for it from under the tunnel to the finish line.  

From the finish line head back to the car park for registration and from that point it would be rude not to join us for a coffee in the Gallery Cafe.

Conkers is one of the only courses to have permanent markings on the course and these fit in with the theme of the National Forest. Have a look for these if you're doing a freedom run.


Fixed signage

Garmin route         http://connect.garmin.com/courses