team kerr

LARNE

When the Parkrun course description says 'undulating picturesque course' you know you are in for a hilly treat and Larne Parkrun most definitely delivers. The director's brief is held in front of Dixon Hall, which is where tokens are scanned and treats consumed at the end of the run (wheelchair ramp to left of building) just beside Drains Bay carpark (c.2miles from Larne). The run starts on the Tarmac path, which isn't very wide so could get quite congested but as the numbers participating aren't huge it was fine for us. It is a very pleasant path running alongside the coast road and a left turn then a right up the 1st of many climbs leads the runners into Carnfunnock Park. There are a few gates / bollards to navigate around the course (all wide enough for us but probably not easy to pass at speed) as well as quite a few turns in the paths but these were mostly on up hills so I certainly wasn't moving too fast to manage them! The fact the views are fantastic might give some clue as to how hilly this course is and, although it is tough with a jogger, every hill is followed by a flat or down hill so some recovery before the next climb. The run involves two laps that take in many parts of this lovely park, past the play park, campsite, visitor centre, driving range etc., as well as taking in the sea views, and all but a couple of short wooded sections is run on super smooth and fairly wide paths so it is a really enjoyable run. The run director and volunteers were very welcoming and happily talked me through the route and what to expect at the outset, as well as giving great encouragement around the course. A tough but really enjoyable Parkrun in a beautiful location.