Off Road Running

Overview

During the summer months we venture into the countryside on our Club Run night, once a month. This gives us different perspective of activity, distance and elevation gains / losses. The club has historically organised the Brent Knoll Fell Race each year, in line with the “great outdoor” mind set and varied participation to training and racing. Our members take part throughout the year in organised fell and cross-country races, near and far.

The extended hours of daylight enjoyed in the evenings, allows us the scope to train with a difference  rather than pounding the tarmac. Popular off-track runs organised in this period, take in flat beach and  river runs, whilst in contrast, hilly runs involve the climbs and descent of Brent Knoll and Brean Down.

Organised off road club runs in more detail:

Brean Down: The club meet at Brean Down and follows a route along the beach before heading up the  staircase or ramp to the headland, making it’s way along to Brean Fort. The return stretch follows the  footpath before rejoining the beach and cutting through the dunes back to Brean Down Inn. A drink in the  pub takes place after the run for some social re-hydration!

Brent Knoll: The club meet at the village hall car park and run a selection of different routes to the top of  the Knoll. These include a route on the pavement alongside the A38 and accessing the Knoll from East  Brent, or more commonly past Brent Knoll church, before ascending the Knoll. The downhill stretch  emerges in Brent Knoll before another climb over Hill Lane and a return to the cars. Drinks at the Red Cow provides a fine end to this summer run.

Beach runs: Beach runs are tide dependent! A typical club beach run starts from the Bay centre, making  its way through Burnham before joining the beach either from the sailing club or via the dunes, where  there are several access points. The run’s along Burnham-on-sea’s famous beach provides a unique  challenge, building resistance and stamina as well as fine views of the Lighthouse, Severn estuary, Flat holm and Steep holm.   

West Huntspill river run: The West Huntspill river run is primarily on roads but has a stretch along the  banks of the River Parrett estuary.The run starts from Highbridge Community Hall (a longer run option  has been organised starting and finishing from Burnham) and follows the A38 through West Huntspill  before taking the service road just after the White Cottage. Running past Laburnum House, the run heads  towards the coast and picks up the coastal path heading back towards Highbridge and back to the  Community Hall. The run is flat, but has been prone to coastal winds! 

Other off-road runs are available and can easily be organised. Just ask!