Todmorden Park 5k

For the first time in 2016 we were hoping that the temperature would drop as the time of the race start drew closer. Luckily after the two hottest days of the year, cloud covered the Calder Valley for the 3rd of 4 races in the Todorden park race series. The race is run on a five lap course

With the chipping system providing splits for each individual lap which makes more satisfying reading for some than the demise it shows for others.

The third race had a different course than the one which would normally be used however this made little difference as both courses are slightly undulating with around 150feet of elevation but due to the distribution being evenly around the 1k laps it is quicker than other similar courses such as the Woodhouse Moor parkrun course that has as a long drag and short sharp downhill. The surface was a smooth tarmac on the alternative course with a short wooded section which is included most weeks.

This is a brilliant small race with around 90 finishers with a nice spread throughout the field so there are no congestion points as the paths of runners on different laps cross.  Although some may not appreciate the midges which will be itching runners before and after. The times were online within the hour after the first two of the series venue complications made this more difficult for the 3rd round.

Overall this a great little race which due to its regular nature is simple and well organised. The course while not being perfectly flat is still quick with definite PB potential if you can walk the walk!

Tom Mason

The next race is on the 4^th August

http://cannonballevents.co.uk/todmorden-park-summer-5k-series/