Kingsway parkrun, Gloucester

The course is at Kingsway Sports Pavilion. It lies on an area known as Manor farm and can be dated back to at least 1066 when it was given to the Sheriff of Gloucester by William the Conqueror. In 1535 Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are known to have passed through the area giving the area its name ‘Kings-Way’.
More recent history details how the area was owned by the War office as a gun ammunition site to the British Army from 1915 to the end of the First World War and then as a storage and maintenance site for aircraft equipment and motor vehicles for the RAF during the second world. In 1995 the site was returned back to the Parish.
The course is run on a mixture of asphalt path, gravel aggregate and grass. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain.
The course is suitable for those that wish to run with a child’s buggy and is also open to runners who wish to bring a dog. For our four legged friends we have a water bowl available.
The 5K course (3 laps) runs in a clockwise direction, it is flat and favours both the beginner and the runner with more ambitious objectives.
Starting next to an ancient oak tree on an aggregate surface it quickly becomes an asphalt surface where you will run past the pavilion and the parkrun finish funnel. After 150m metres you run through a series of turns will take you sharp left into the Orchard. The track here returns to an aggregate surface. This section is the slowest point on the course due to the tight turns and can be a bottle neck on the opening lap.
After 100m you will exit the orchard rejoining the asphalt for 200m towards the playground where marshals will direct you around the 180degree turn where the course enters the infield section relatively kind under good weather conditions as it is well maintained but can be slippery when wet.
Exiting the field, you then turn right onto asphalt again running parallel with Manor farm and its willow trees. At the end of this section listen out for marshals who will be heard to shout ‘bollards!’ It isnt insult but a warning of the only true obstacles on the track but are no major drama even for those with buggies.
Turning left you will see the Barn Owl pub just ahead (sorry, they don’t open early enough on Saturday mornings for you to nip in for a rest!)
Marshalls will direct you away from this drinking establishment onto a further section of aggregate path for 200m alongside the playing field and into a left kink followed by a sharp right (no cutting corners please!!)
This stretch of 100m track is one of contrasts. To one side is the River Qued containing an abundance of flora and fauna most noticeably the bird life and bull rushes whilst the other side of the path displays the remnants and foundations of a more military nature. RAF Quedgeley or to give it its official name, Number. 7 Maintenance Unit, RAF Quedgeley whose Motto was ‘Omnibus Ubique Servimus’ ? ‘We Serve All, Everywhere.
A right turn over a footbridge has you onto the final stretch to complete the lap.
Occasionally, due to prolonged wet weather, the start will begin at the exit of the Orchard and will be 4 laps instead of three excluding the infield section.

The course is 5k long. The course is at Kingsway Sports Pavillion, Gloucester. The course is run on a mixture of tarmac paths, gravel paths and grass. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain. Dependent on availability, marshals will be at key sections of the course, or signs will be in place.

Please remember that the parkrun uses shared paths. For the continued success of the event, please give way to other park users. This won't hurt your time, it won't stop you from getting a PB and it will make sure everyone continues to enjoy the event.

Please, wherever possible walk, jog, cycle or use public transport when attending the event. If you do have to drive, please consider car-sharing to reduce our impact on both the environment and other park users. Please also watch out for other park users when arriving and leaving. Parking may be limited so try to arrive early.

We have free car parking available at the venue but spaces are limited. Alternative parking at the ASDA store directly opposite.
Please park away from the store entrance, unless you intend to use the store.
NB: For your safety and at the request of ASDA,
DO NOT WALK THROUGH THE GARAGE FORECOURT.

We provide access to the sports pavilion so you can store personal belongings (at your own risk). There is also toilets, changing and shower facilities too.
Around the Kingsway Park is a childs play area, a skate park and a BMX track and outdoor gym equipment.