I was staying near Swindon, assuming I’d make my way to a parkrun in town. Then I realised I wasn’t far from Devizes, the home of this popular event. It’s popular in part because it begins with a Q, so for those aiming to run events beginning with specific letters, it’s valuable. But it’s also right next to a housing estate (in which some people park - it’s not the recommended spot, but it works) and there are plenty of regulars.
This is a gem of an event. The course is neatly designed, with that loop to give people some space, and the paths wide enough for people to head in both directions on the shared sections once spread out.
I parked in Devizes Sports club as suggested, and from there it’s a short walk along the roadside, right turn to follow the path next to the Kennet & Avon canal, then over a bridge to the start. It’s not far.
There’s not enough elevation to call this a hilly course, but it’s distinctly uphill on the right-side of the loop, and downhill on the left, which feels the right way round - work on the way out, easier on the way to finish a lap.
The surface varies a bit but was good throughout. There are long sections of tarmac, and some hard-packed mud, as the photos show.
The briefings were well done, with a genuinely funny moment at the end of the main one. “Is David Price* here?” <silence> “I’ve got his money, is all”.
“I’m David Price”
“I’m David Price!”
“Oi’m David Price”
Excellent work. Only slightly spoiled by one of them saying “I’m Spartacus!” afterwards. Yes, that’s the joke you just made.
*Not actual name
Lovely people, lovely run.
Results from Quakers Walk parkrun #56, 16/11/24; 194 finishers