We headed to Harcourt Hill parkrun as it was exactly 11 years since it started. All four of us, still living at our house, headed off to yet another Oxford parkrun. At the time I wasn’t aware that there was another inaugural happening in Oxfordshire too!
Harcourt Hill parkrun, BrookesSport Botley, Harcourt Hill Campus, Botley, Oxford, OX2 9AT
Facilities at Harcourt Hill parkrun
Harcourt Hill parkrun offers two free hours parking and toilets (in the block next to the field/start). Drinking water is available in the Pavillion.
Harcourt Hill parkrun Course
Harcourt Hill parkrun Course is two anti-clockwise laps. Starting across a stretch of field that sets off pretty quickly before narrowing. It is all on grass but this was pretty firm when we went.
Ignore the name, as it’s located on top of the hill, therefore the course is mostly flat. In fact the first lap went so fast that I didn’t even notice any incline (and believe me I notice the smallest bump!). 38m elevation gain according to my Strava.
Directions
We were told the directions but there was a LOT but it essential is keep the hedge on your right and the cones to your left. Apologies if I have missed some of the instruction below out. To follow the cones and not go on the sports pitches.
Starting at the rear of the Sports Centre, near the cedar tree – and then run back towards where the run briefing is held. Turn right at the hedge, past the tennis courts and around the field. Next turn into another field and go around the edge of that. Apparently here you go around a hedge and there’s a slight uphill before going through the wood.
Then it’s downhill. Past around the trees, keeping to the boundary area before returning for a second lap as you pass the rear entrance to the Sports Centre.
Hazards
The course is very open apart from the wood. Here it’s not a great place to overtake. With the addition of roots and it can be dark! Apparently this is just for about 50 yards. Other hazards, apart from when it narrows at the start, are cracks in the ground and roots. Or in bad weather it could be muddy and therefore slippery.
No Dogs Course
This is a no dogs course (apart from Guide dogs). However, you may encounter dog walkers.
Briefings at Harcourt Hill parkrun
The first timers briefing began by asking if anyone was doing their very first parkrun. There was!! And we gave them a welcoming round of applause. In fact there were 6 people doing their very first parkrun – welcome to the community!
Next we were reminded that parkrun is not a race. Also, we were reminded that it was a 2 lap course but that if someone wanted to do one that was fine. However, they were not to go through the finish funnel.
Volunteers
We clapped for the 19 Volunteers and was told where there was a sign-up sheet for future weeks.
Tourists
Tourists then mentioned where they were from – with a bit of a friendly discussion from those discovering that they were both from Southampton! People had also travelled from Banbury, Didcot, Gloucestershire and Norwich.
My Experience at Harcourt Hill parkrun
This was definitely a very lovely parkrun in terms of the people (volunteers and participants), the course and the facilities. Several people said nice things about my Tikiboo Fitness clothing too, including that I won the best dressed award!
Lining Up
We moved back a bit from the front as felt quite far forward (as you walk down and turn so that the back is the front). Figuring that it was really spread out I thought that people would soon be going around.
The Start of Harcourt Hill parkrun
Sure enough it was a fast start. Not really helped by the fact that I wasn’t ready so still had my phone not sorted, and in my hand. Personally I feel I could have started a bit further back. This is even considering that if I could keep my initial burst up I could do around 20-21 minute parkruns!! (I can’t keep it going for long though and then struggle after a km lol).
During
Sure enough I started ahead of my husband but it wasn’t long before I heard a familiar, “hello dear,” as he breathed on by as I struggled with my breathing. It is always that which holds me back, and I know I really ought to go swimming!
Walking
Also I need to stop looking at my watch! My first km was over 5 minutes (by 5 seconds) and so I was instantly disheartened! By 2km I had slowed so much that I struggled to motivate myself. My first walk was at 2.5km, which I had convinced myself to keep going up until.
All in all I think I ended up walking around 4 times! At least it gave me an opportunity to take a photo of the wood area! Reminding myself that this time last year I didn’t believe I could get a PB which was 27:27! That even if I could just equal that it would be good! (Finishing in 27:13).
Finishing
Our youngest son had started in his hoodie and stopped to take it off. He then ended up behind me. On my sprint finish I didn’t even realise it was him, but could feel someone there. Not sure how (he’s a lot faster than me) but I finished 10 seconds in front of him!
10th female and 1st in my age category.
The event also turned out to be a Prime Number (although that’s not something parkrun want people chasing).
Harcourt Hill parkrun Results Event 479
- 152 participants finished in times ranging from 18:18-56:59.
- First lady today was Helen in a time of 23:28, in 21st place.
- 93 sub 30
- Well done to the 10 people returning who achieved PBs today!
- Congratulations to Melanie on the highest age grading today (84.30%).
Milestones
Well done to Richard on his 25th
Sarah on her 100th
And Tamsin on 150th!
Other parkruns nearby we have done:
University Parks parkrun (2.4m), Oxford parkrun (3.8m), Witney parkrun (10.0m), and Chipping Norton School parkrun (17.3m).
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
The course looks and sounds very much like Fire Service College.
Well done on getting first in your age category. Am very impressed that the first lady was in the 60064 category!
Thanks very much for the mention.