We headed to Eastville parkrun to get another of the “Compass Challenge” locations ticked off. Eastville parkrun is apparently known for being a challenging course – however, it was the alternative course, which turns out is even harder!
Read more about parkrun challenges.
Eastville Park, Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6PX.
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Eastville parkrun Facilities
Eastville parkrun is accessible by foot, road, train or bus.
We parked at the Tesco near Ikea. There are also toilets there. We didn’t go beforehand not realising that there aren’t any really close to the start. The briefing for first timers was about to start and so we didn’t have time to investigate.
Eastville parkrun Alternative Course
The normal course is apparently around a lake and more scenic. Some of the regulars talked about how they had been waiting for the normal course to come back. One lady warned me that it was “hilly” – and then reiterated this fact when I gave in and walked and she went running past me (lol).
You start and run to the edge of the park and pretty much just go around it three times, then after the last hill you turn right to the finish.
There must have been some downhill to have gone back up again but I just remember it feeling like pure up!
My Experience
Getting there
Firstly there’s a short walk to the start. But there’s some lovely street art about and a compass on the floor – which was quite fitting. Also, as mentioned, it’s near to Ikea – where I believe one of the new Gromit Trail statues are.
Volunteers
Thank you to the 31 volunteers.
First timers briefing entertaining and thorough. Lovely that people were quiet. It was really clear how you could walk some or all of it, and that it’s not a race.
However, the main briefing people were talking. All milestones and birthdays covered.
An amazing amount of volunteers were waiting up the hill with a big speaker playing music – first time was Kate bush running up that hill.
My Run
Admittedly, I ended up doing quite a bit of walking. The path to the finish was nice and flat for a sprint finish. Everyone was so lovely and encouraging. My sprint I was too keen to start and couldn’t sustain it all the way to the time keepers!
Happy to do it all in just over 29 minutes!
Eastville parkrun Stats Event 315
- 489 participants took part in Eastville parkrun event 315. 251 males, 189 females and 49 unknown.
- Ranging in times between
- And 1:04:19.
- 271 finished in 30 minutes or less.
- 45 PBs.
Other Nearby parkruns we have visited
Pomphrey Hill parkrun (3.3m), Three Brooks parkrun (3.9m), Blaise Castle parkrun (4m), Somerdale Pavilion parkrun (4.2m), Chipping Sodbury parkrun (8.3m), Brickfields Park parkrun (9.9m), Severn Bridge parkrun (11m)
Sarah at Mum of Three World has visited when it was the normal course.
What an inspiring recap of your Eastville parkrun experience! Despite the challenging course, it sounds like you had a fantastic time. I love that you highlighted the supportive atmosphere and the encouragement from both volunteers and fellow runners. 
The street art and compass add such a unique touch to the run! I can’t wait to check it out myself, even if I have to tackle those hills! Thanks for sharing your journey and the valuable tips! ️