Newbiggin-by-the-Sea parkrun
Newbigging-by-the-Sea is a costal town in Northumberland, England. The first parkrun event there was in 2017. I have run there four times.
The course runs along the promenade by the beach. It is mostly on hard surfaces apart from a very short stretch of grass. The start is at the northern end by the Maritime Centre. The first part is fairly narrow, so may get crowded until people spread out.
You run along the front and then up what they describe as a 'slight incline' that climbs about 10m over 100m. At the top you do a lap of the bowling green and playground. There is a another small climb on the back of that before crossing some grass to go back down. You then run most of the way back before turning around to do another lap of that section. Then you can carry on to the finish.
The promenade can be quite sandy, but the surfaces are generally good and so road shoes should be adequate all year unless there is snow.
The volunteers are very friendly. They have a traditional chant before they set off.
Transport
There is a free car park behind the Maritime Centre. There are also local buses, but I have no experience of those.
Facilities
There is a cafe by the finish as well as others in the nearby town centre. There is also a drinking fountain right next to the finish.
There are some public toilets across the High Street from the finish.
There are some restriction on when dogs can go on the beach and it may be best to check if they are allowed on the run even though that does not go on the beach itself.
Conclusion
This is a nice run by the sea, but I can imagine it gets challenging when the winter winds sweep in. It has had around 150 runners when I have been, but it may depend on how many people are visiting the area. I was last there on the weekend of the Great North Run when it was fairly busy.
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Looks like a great run! Decades ago I lived in San Diego and really enjoyed running along the beach. There was really something cool about being near the ocean and the sand that really connected me to the universe!
We live a fair way from the sea, so it makes a nice change for me.
Seaside events are pretty popular out here too. Newbiggin by the sea looks pretty fast and flat. We now have 2 events that run regularly on the beach sand. I did one of them barefoot, I have hear there is one in the UK too were you have to run a sand dune.
I've not done one on a beach yet, but I've heard of one. That sounds like hard work. The other one I've done by the sea is Southsea, but that is on paths too and very flat. I got a good time at Newbiggin last time despite the 'incline'.
It's always nice to run by the sea, and volunteers at that kind of events are also often very good people
Do you prefer running on paved paths or are you more of a cross country sort of guy?
I don't mind either, but I'm not a big fan of mud. Cross country keeps you in the moment watching where you tread. Our local course has a fair few roots sticking out. I may be slightly quicker on more even surfaces.
Oh yeah, that is a good point. Nobody wants to be dealing with a twisted ankle.
The authority has made the place quite convenient for the participants- free parking, bus service, drinking water, cafe, public toilets, etc.
Thanks for sharing your parkrun experience with us! !PIZZA
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@hafiz34(1/10) tipped @steevc
Come get MOONed!
Running along the seashore brings great health and happiness.
Long live walking!