University of Northampton parkrun

Updated: Mar 19

The third parkrun course for Northampton is run from the grounds of the University. Redway Runners decided to visit on event number 7, and it was my 61st parkrun course. This is a great venue for a parkrun and it was an enjoyable course, which consists of an out and back section over a bridge from the University campus into Beckets park and three clockwise bow tie shaped laps of the Beckets park, all on footpaths and there is a hill/incline which you do three times. I didn't quite find the correct car park, but there are a couple you can use and they are free to park.

[I first visited this parkrun on 2nd September 2023]

Bit of History

The University of Northampton only gained full University status in 2005, but the oldest college that is still part of the University dates back to 1924. In order to attain full University status it was necessary to repeal a ban on the formation of a new University in Northampton made by Henry III in 1265 after he dissolved the Original Medieval University which had originally been only the 3rd in the country after Oxford and Cambridge. Today the parkrun takes place at the very new Waterside Campus which only opened in 2018.

Briefings

Not sure or not if there is a first timer / visitor briefing as I was running a bit late for this one, but the main briefing covered a description of the course as well as the usual shout outs and safety notices including the fact this is a keep right course. I've included a video containing the Briefing further down this page.

The Course

Staring in the University Campus you head out of the campus onto a bridge taking you over the river and into Beckets park. After the bridge it's straight on into the park itself, following a path which takes you to the North West corner of the park, you then take a right turn to take past some tennis courts on your right and back into the centre of the park. At the centre of the park take a left up a hill towards a road, before the road you take a right turn and downhill towards the South East corner of the park. From here you take a sweeping right turn to run alongside the river at the south edge of the park which brings you back to the start of the park and lap 2. After completing three laps you will be directed left back to the bridge taking you back into the University campus. As you approach the start area you have to go all the way around the senate building at the far end of the green, and then a final sprint to the finish.

Difficulty

2 out of 5 purely for the hill which you have to do three times. There is no grass or mud to contend with here and apart from the hill it's very straightforward.

All on well surfaced footpaths including this one at the Start and Finish

Elevation

One hill which you do three times plus the corresponding downhill. Total climb of 42m across the whole course, which isn't horrendous by any means.

Parking, Facilities and Coffee

The closest car park is Midsummer Meadows Car Park (NN1 5NG), 5 minutes walk to the start. This is pay and display but gives 2 hours free parking at weekends though you still need to take and display a ticket. I somehow turned in a bit early and ended up at a different car park next to a skate park and a restaurant boat called the Ark, this car park is also free but has no requirement for a ticket. This car park is a couple of minutes walk to the east of Midsummer Meadows. From either of the above car parks just follow the path along the river in a westerly direction until you come to a bridge on your left, the bridge will take you into the University campus. Toilets are available in the Senate building by the start area. The official post-parkrun coffee is at the Illicit Café (formally The Outpost Café), Radlands Plaza, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5PZ, but I don't think it was open on the morning of our visit, so Redway went to Morrisons instead.

Other Points of Interest

There is a Morrisons around the corner from the parkrun with a large car park, café and car chargers. The contingent of Redway runners went here for coffee after the run, and there are also toilets here, so I put my car on charge and spent a penny while my car had a quick top up. Beckets park also has some playgrounds if you have little ones.

Morrisons cafe (a reasonable alternative coffee, toliet location)

Summary

This is a great new parkrun with a really enjoyable course and a fantastic location. This is another pretty park, and is very similar both in terms of layout and course to Gladstone in North London, which I have also visited but not quite yet blogged (watch this space). The nice thing is the three parkruns which are now available in Northampton all have a unique style and feel to them. I really enjoyed this parkrun and would highly recommend you make a visit if you are in the area.