We headed to Ashton Court parkrun as our friend still had a few of the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail to complete. This also resulted in us seeing the bonus “Spot” Gromit on our way home! This was our second oldest son’s first parkrun in months as he’s been out the country. Despite the hilly course our youngest was the fastest out of us (his slightly older brother opting to not get up!
Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
Ashton Court parkrun Facilities
There is parking at Ashton Court parkrun, however you do have to pay using the app. Alternatively, there is other parking but then (I imagine) quite a walk up the hill. Expect that this is going to be the case if accessing by public transport also.
Toilets and a café are available on site.
Ashton Court parkrun Course
Ashton Court parkrun is an out and back course. Rumours were that it was literally 2.5km up and then turn around and 2.5km back down. Actually I was worried about how steep the up and down would be. But actually it’s not ALL hill, there are some flat bits before climbing again.
Road shoes I would say are fine for this course – but do be aware that it can have puddles on it. Their Facebook page does ask that you try to ensure you do not splash other users.
My Experience at Ashton Court parkrun
Having been there before it was easy to find (besides my husband drives). Although there was no signage from the carpark to the start it was easy to find.
Also to note, I found getting a picture of the Ashton Court parkrun sign meant moving it briefly – so as to get the building in the background instead of loads of people.
Briefing
The briefing was really good and everyone was quiet. Well up until the point where they told us the usual parkrun things. Really useful information was things like where the first km was. Also that if we didn’t want our photos taken to cross our arms.
My Run – Or Jeff
Given the hill I decided that I was going to Jeff. Even the description said about people walking so you can imagine that this wasn’t a problem. In fact it is one of the few parkruns that my husband has not just left me for dust. There was a bit of yo-yoing backwards and forwards as to who was ahead of who – but ultimately I actually came in ahead of him.
Oldest of the boys with us started further forward and youngest son started with me (but didn’t stay with me long). It wasn’t a slow, shuffle, start, which was nice.
What made this course really nice was that it was lovely to see some deer up the hill (and down on the way back).
Others
Parkrun community was strong with lots of lovely comments on my Tikiboo Mr Men top and skort.
Plus I was thanked by a lady who wanted to give up and walk (but I told her she had got this – and she just left me for dust). Finally a also man pushed himself more on my sprint finish (he was very good) and thanked me for spurring him on.
It was also good to see local blind runner Rob there too – we tour a lot and seem to see him quite a bit!
My Results
Fastest ever km and mile (and was Jeffing a 3:30/30). On the way up I would have been happy with a time of sub32 so was delighted with 28m 45s. In fact I heard someone say that they’d heard a “jeffing beep” – so pretty sure I’m not the first to jeff there.
Stats for Ashton Court parkrun Event 658
- 439 participants. Made up of 223 males, 184 females and 32 unknown.
- An incredible 244 came in at 30 minutes or less. With times ranging from 18:28-1:09:17.
- First lady finished in 20:29. This was the JW11-14 first ever parkrun too! Her age grade was 77.95% – so not surprising that it was also the highest!
- In fact there were 29 people doing their very first parkrun – I hope the hills haven’t put them off!
- A further 87 had their first tourist trip to Ashton Court parkrun.
Other Bristol parkruns
We have now done all the parkruns in Bristol that are still running. Unfortunately we missed Little Stoke parkrun!
Eastville parkrun (4.3m), Blaise Castle parkrun (4.3m), Somerdale Pavilion parkrun (6.3m), Pomphrey Hill parkrun (7.4m), Three Brooks parkrun (7.5m), Thornbury parkrun (12.2m) and Chipping Sodbury parkrun
These are the parkruns that we have done which are listed as nearby:
Clevedon Salthouse Fields parkrun (9.8m), Rogiet parkrun (11.4m), Brickfields Park parkrun (11.9m), Severn Bridge parkrun (12.2m),
Also visit these other bloggers who cover parkrun: Sarah at Mum of Three World, Jackie at Never Imitate and Chrissy at It’s Me Chrissy J