Route Overview:
Total Distance: 5.7 km
Elevation Gain: 38 m
Surface: Mixed terrain including paved roads, footpaths, and multi-use paths
Footwear: Choose shoes suitable for road and firm trail surfaces, and watch for occasional icy patches
Ideal For: Autumn and Winter evening runs
​​​​We use Strava, a popular free app that is designed to show you the running route and, if you wish, track your progress.
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The Strava route is shown below and you can join the Strava Club using the button provided:
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Safety and Crossing Points:
This 5.7 km winter evening route starts and finishes at Town Mills car park and follows a mix of pavements, footpaths, and quiet residential streets that are generally well lit for evening running in the darker months. With 38 m of elevation gain it is still easy to moderate in effort while offering a slightly varied townscape to keep your run engaging.
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As with all urban routes in winter, some points require crossing busier roads where vehicle traffic may be moving at higher speeds and visibility is reduced after dark. Extra awareness at these locations is essential, and each runner is responsible for ensuring they cross safely at all times. Make sure you slow down as you approach road crossings, check carefully in both directions before stepping onto the road, make eye contact with drivers when possible, and only cross when it is clearly safe to do so. Your safety should always come before pace, group positioning, or trying to stay with others.
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Runner Considerations:
Some sections involve running on the road so runners should stay in single file and wear reflective or brightly coloured clothing for maximum visibility in lower light. Take extra caution around corners and bends especially where street lighting may be less consistent and stay alert for potentially slippery surfaces from wet leaves, early frost, or winter rain on footpaths and pavements. The loop may also be shared with walkers and dog walkers, so remain courteous and aware of other users on shared paths and always obey road safety rules, giving way where needed.
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For runners who prefer a slightly shorter option there is a 4.7 km variation on the same course that still includes many of the same paths and sights, giving flexibility for different paces and time constraints.
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Route Completion:
This winter version of the route brings you back to Town Mills car park after a scenic mix of well lit town streets and quieter sections. It is a great way to maintain consistency in your training during the darker months while enjoying an evening run in safe, illuminated surroundings.
​​Apps We Use
We use Strava, a popular and free app that allows you to view running routes, record your activities, and track your progress over time. Participation is optional, but it’s a great way to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.
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We are also a registered group on the parkrun website. This means you can support Willpower 2 Run by representing the group at your local parkrun every Saturday morning, helping to raise awareness while being part of a friendly and supportive running community.
Join our Strava and Parkrun Clubs:​
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​​​Running Club Disclaimer​