Welcome to our Christmas themed event at Coate Water Country Park; THE VERY MERRY PUDDING RUN.  Come and join us for some Christmas themed fun, run as many laps as you like, no pressure, and bag yourself a very special medal indeed.  These incredible medals are individually cut, engraved and painted from solid oak; 10cm wide, 1cm thick.  Not only are they unique and stunning but everyone will find real money in their pudding plus the medal also doubles as a decoration for your Christmas tree.  

Whether you are chasing a new PB, looking for a great training run, wanting to test kit, see how far you can go or would just like a lovely walk, run or joggle in the park; this event is for you.  By the way did we mention that the medal is truly one of a kind and is absolutely stunning! 

THE EVENT CONCEPT

This is a timed event, you can start anytime between 7.30am to 8.30am and complete as many or as few 3.28 mile (5.25km) laps as you wish before the finish cut off time of 3.00pm.  Please note a head torch maybe required during the winter months if starting before 8.00am. 

For those aiming for a specific distance:

• 1 Lap: Perfect for a quick 5k+ trail fix.
• 4 Laps: A Half Marathon.
• 8 Laps: A Full Marathon.
• 9+ Laps: Ultra-marathon territory!

As long as you complete at least one lap, you are an official finisher with an official time and you will receive our stunning medal. You can stop at any time, take a break, or keep pushing until the clock runs out. You can 'ring out' your achievement on our unique Howzat Howitzer!

THE VENUE

Coate Water Country Park, Swindon. There is a cafe in the park which is open from 10.00am to 4pm (https://www.facebook.com/Coatewatercafe/). There is also The Sun Inn by the park entrance open from 9.30am serving food and drinks. (https://suninn-swindon.co.uk/)

THE TERRAIN

A mixture of well-maintained gravel and tarmac paths, lakeside tracks, and woodland trails. Generally flat, with a couple of cheeky undulations (read on!) and perfectly suited for road shoes.

CONQUERING THE FAMOUS "CURLY WURLY" BRIDGE

To give this route some true character, our lap takes you up and over Swindon's iconic "Curly Wurly" Bridge (also known as the Helter Skelter bridge). This famous, Brutalist-style concrete spiral footbridge loops you smoothly up into the sky crossing right over the roaring M4 motorway, beyond is the woodland railway path where you'll be surrounded by birdsong and scampering squirrels. It adds a brilliant twist to the course and is the perfect spot for a mid-race high-five or a cheeky race photo!

THE FAMOUS PHOENIX AID STATION

We don't do boring race fuel. Our legendary aid station will be located at the start/finish of every lap, meaning you are never more than 1.64 miles away from a feast. Special dietary requirements (Vegan/Gluten-Free) are always catered for!

Places are strictly limited to ensure the paths and "Curly Wurly" Bridge don't get overcrowded, so grab your spot early! 

Please note, as per UK Athletics rules, distance restrictions apply to participants ages 20 or under, for more information please read our full terms & conditions available here - https://www.phoenixrunning.co.uk/tandc

We provide a physical running service and by entering our events you are purchasing an actual run, either by attending our events or by running the event virtually yourself. All participants in our events, both attended and virtual, will receive a free giveaway medal / memento from your run.