{"id":35272,"date":"2026-01-24T16:41:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T15:41:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/?p=35272"},"modified":"2026-01-25T00:09:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T23:09:10","slug":"llanfoist-crossing-parkrun-10-up-down-and-around","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/2026\/01\/24\/llanfoist-crossing-parkrun-10-up-down-and-around\/","title":{"rendered":"Llanfoist Crossing parkrun 10 – Up, Down and Around"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We decided to attend Llanfoist Crossing parkrun<\/a> as there was a Facebook post asking if we were parkrun Faithfuls?! Plus it was event 10 which I also wanted to up my Wilson Index<\/a>. Also they were asking for a Run Reporter and that took my volunteer credits up to 46.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Llanfoist<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Llanfoist Crossing, Merthyr Road, Llanfoist, Abergavenny, NP7 9LP<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Facilities at Llanfoist Crossing parkrun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We love a bit of free parking and toilets not far from the start and thankfully Llanfoist Crossing parkrun has both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are actually 3 car parks – one nearest the start for those with mobility issues. Another which filled up quickly (100m from the start), and a larger one 500m from the start but right next to the garden centre where the toilets are. It may be worth thinking about going to the furthest one away if you arrive early, just to give more of a chance to those arriving a bit later to get to the briefing on time.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Llanfoist<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Thank you to the 6 parking marshalls!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toilets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The toilets are in the garden centre and very nice. The ladies even had sanitary products in a basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Llanfoist Crossing parkrun Course<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An out-and-back on tarmac (cycle path), but with an additional lap of a small undulating field at around halfway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trail shoes are advised for Llanfoist Crossing parkrun although 80% is on tarmac. For that very reason I just wore my road shoes. Personally I am not running in barefoot shoes enough for that level of stress on my calves! As it happened I was absolutely fine.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Llanfoist<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Personally I think people could have self-seeded and had a bit more patience at the start because there was quite a bottle neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be deceived – although it isn\u2019t the most tricky course it isn\u2019t the easiest either. There\u2019s lovely km markers that may help motivate you though!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot of up and down and the field part I was describe as fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep right and look around at the stunning views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Personally I felt I should have been positioned well. Not at the front but not that many rows back. Also at the side as it is usually easier to go around people. It was not. My first km was in 6 minutes and 16 seconds. Every time I thought I may be able to go around others it just wasn\u2019t possible politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those of you who work in miles the first one I completed in 10 minutes and 7 seconds. So you can understand that I thought that I wasn\u2019t actually going to get a sub30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previously I have been struggling to not give up and walk. Despite the slower time it was really tempting to due to the undulations. Coming out of the field a lady who was two in front of me did stop and walk up that little hill. Somehow I still managed to keep on jogging along.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Pinkoddy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Eventually on the 4th<\/sup> km I did decide that I wouldn\u2019t be happy with a time over 30 minutes and it was much easier now to overtake, and therefore put a bit more effort into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Finish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The finish isn\u2019t set out at the start, it\u2019s just not practical. You run all the way down the path and it is on your right – but you have to first go to the end and turn around. My husband had obviously finished by the time I got to this point and warned me not to sprint from the turn around. Besides which it is \u201cuphill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My sprint finish was therefore started later than it should have been and I had not gained much momentum. Due to the bit going the other way there were cones everywhere, even with my glasses I did not \u201cget\u201d where to run for the finish. Even had to apologise to the lady who was trying to finish in front of me as I think I got in her way.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Llanfoist<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Now I know it is really obvious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officially my time was 10 seconds than my Strava but either way well under sub29 so I am happy with that. My first time on the course so I rang the PB bell!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other People There<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A lovely parkrun. Lots of people there to help guide and instruct us. As well as a lovely crowd of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

95 Tourists from various places in Wales; Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Malvern, Watford and Hereford to name a few!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Timers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to 14 people doing their first ever parkrun. I hope they had a fantastic time and return again and again. Who wouldn\u2019t after experiencing the fun of the field in the middle of the run right!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"first<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Celebrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In fact there was lots of celebrating – Zoe\u2019s 40th<\/sup> Birthday parkrun -(which looked like lots of fun for the whole family), volunteer Ashleys birthday (at the last turn around point); a hen party; Andy\u2019s 25th<\/sup> run and Kevin\u2019s 100th<\/sup> parkrun and Cowell – to name a few!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Including myself doing the Run Report there were 31 volunteers. Also it was Run Director Hannah\u2019s 50th<\/sup> Volunteer! Plus Andy was doing his first volunteer at parkrun.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Hannah's<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Things to Know if it is Your First Time at Llanfoist Crossing parkrun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n