The route will be well signed with arrows and there will be marshals at all key points along the route. Changes to the course from 2009 are highlighted in red. These changes have been made because of the opening of the Western Bypass making it impractical to safely cross the road onto the river path.
You must follow any instructions of the marshals. Please note that marshals are not allowed to direct or stop traffic. Look out for any traffic and cross roads safely.
Runners will not need to carry these instructions but may benefit from familiarising themselves with the course beforehand.
The Start
Both runs start from the front of Biddenham pavilion. The 5K run starts at 10.45am and the 10K run starts at 11.00am.
For the first 900m the course runs along public roads. From Deep Spinney, turn left into Gold Lane and bear right at the grass triangle into Church Lane. After passing the entrance to Manor Hospital on the corner, bear left down Manor Road (access road) through a metal gate. As of 2010, which saw the opening of the new Western Bypass, the course continues straight ahead at this point (previously it turned sharp right) and shortly after bears right to cross Carnoustie Drive, Prestwick Road, over the golf course and then St Mellion Drive. After crossing the golf course for the second time the course splits.
4k fun run route
Immediately before Greenkeepers Road turn left and take the path along the side of the golf course, which will be to your left for 600m. The route rejoins the 10k route here. Continue ahead for a further 200m and then jink right where the path forks around a small stand of trees to avoid going onto one of the golf course Tee Boxes. Continue with the golf course still to your left for a further 200m to the wire fence at the edge of the houses.
Go through the gap in the wire fence and turn left. Follow the path back towards Biddenham, with allotments, then the upper school sports field and finally a small field on your right. Turn left onto an enclosed path around the green in the corner of the golf course. Follow this path around to the right as it winds it's way along the edge of the golf course. At the first opportunity turn right onto another enclosed footpath with a field to your left heading back into Biddenham to a kissing gate at Biddenham Main Road. Cross the road and bear left into Days Lane. After approximately 90 metres turn left into the pavilion field and the finish.
Water is available at the finish. Please keep in line in the funnel to ensure correct results.
10k route
Go through the gap in the wooden fence and cross Greenkeepers Road continuing on the footpath ahead. With the new housing development on your left, pass behind the Village Medical Centre. Cross the site entrance andkeep straight ahead, on to the track towards Kempston.
After 900m, at the end of the field bear right and over the footbridge. Take care on the steep steps and on the footbridge which can be made slippery if it rains. Follow the path to the next bridge (Kempston Mill) and cross the river. Immediately turn left along the footpath along the side of the river. Water is available at this point (approximately 4.2km).
Follow the path along side the river for 1300m. Approximately 80m after the path bears right away from the river, turn left through an opening into the water meadows. Cross the river meadows directly towards the river and a bench. Follow the river through the water meadows for 1700m to Queens Bridge. As the name implies, the water meadows can be wet underfoot!
Re-cross the river at Queen's Bridge where water is available. Immediately over the bridge, turn left down a steep bank to the river path to run back along the river, which should (still) be to your left. After 1200m the path passes through a gap into open fields. Continue along the river for 340m to the 2nd hedgerow and turn right. This is a change from the 2009 route which turned right at the first headgerow. Follow the hedge away from the river for 200m before turning right to rejoin the 5K route along the edge of the golf course. Continue for a further 200m and then jink right where the path forks around a small stand of trees to avoid going onto one of the golf course Tee Boxes. Continue with the golf course still to your left for a further 200m to the wire fence at the edge of the houses.
Go through the gap in the wire fence and turn left. Follow the path back towards Biddenham, with allotments, then the upper school sports field and finally a small field on your right. Turn left onto an enclosed path around the green in the corner of the golf course. Follow this path around to the right as it winds it's way along the edge of the golf course. At the first opportunity turn right onto another enclosed footpath with a field to your left heading back into Biddenham to a kissing gate at Biddenham Main Road. Cross the road and bear left into Days Lane. After approximately 90 metres turn left into the pavilion field and the finish.
Both runs finish behind the pavillion after running around the outside of the sports field to the applause of the assembled crowds.
Water is available at the finish. Please keep in line in the funnel to ensure correct results.