A real gem of a parkrun course, Rushmere is a Country Park and the two lap course takes place almost entirely on hilly woodland trails. It is a real challenge, and even in summer when the ground is dry expect a time which is considerably slower than your best 5k PB times. In the winter when the ground is boggy then just concentrate on getting round. Having said that, worrying about times here is missing the point, just enjoy the buzz of running up and down through the beautiful wooded trails, it's great fun I promise. In summer you'll be fine in normal running shoes but in winter or if there has been heavy rainfall you will need trail shoes as this parkrun can get very muddy. Rushmere is worth a visit even when you're not parkrunning, with attractions including a Visitor Centre, Giants Chair, Fairy doors, play areas with a massive slide, a heronry, plus walking, cycling and horse riding routes & the Tree Top cafe. For more information see https://www.greensandtrust.org/about-rushmere
[I visited this parkrun on 22nd September 2018]
Difficulty
Yep, difficult but fun nonetheless, this one is a 4 out of 5. Proper Woodland Trails with a decent amount of elevation to boot. Lots of ups and downs to enjoy. Watch out for sweet chestnuts!
The Course
The briefing is held not that far from the visitor centre out in the open at the finish point. Make a point of listening to the visitor briefing as there are some good tips about the course. On the morning I attended there was a warning about the large amount of conkers out on course (which were likened to marbles having being spread liberally over the route).
After the briefing there is a short walk to the start area which is under the cover of trees. The first 500m or so is slightly uphill along a wide forest trail (watch out for the Giant's chair) and then a left turn to follow the main path for another 500m to bring you to a 4-way crossing, left here and steeply downhill before another left turn and a footbridge and a marshalled gate. Although there are a few ups and downs you are now generally climbing for the next 2km (well into the second lap, so be prepared for this). After the marshalled gate it's roughly another 500m before a marshal directs you left, which brings you back to the meadow next to the finish area near the tree tops cafe. You are still climbing as you start lap 2 so it feels worse the second time around. You complete the second lap before finishing back at the Meadow (and a well earned cup of coffee).
Elevation
One word: Hilly. Unlike a lot of the other parkruns I've run, this has some proper elevation to deal with, as you can see from the elevation chart below. 62m or 203ft climb over the 5k give you plenty of work to do, this ranks it at 430 out of 519 ranked by https://jegmar.com/stats-hq/fastest-races/parkrun/ so this is no Mickey Mouse course.
Parking, Facilities and Coffee
Parking is £3 all day, and it is a coin pay on exit barrier (so bring some pound coins with you). In addition to a car park, there is a cafe, toilets, bike racks, picnic area and play equipment as well as access to the Visitor Centre and all the walking/cycling routes. If you bring the family there is plenty to do here. The Cafe does a very nice flat white, which was a welcome treat after finishing this parkrun.
Link to Rushmere parkrun website: