It’s time to discover Petworth Park running event

The inaugural Discovery Run is coming to Petworth Park on May 30 and the 5k, 10k and half-marathon trail routes have been confirmed.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th May 2015, 14:00 BST
There was duathlon action at Petworth Park last year Picture by Louise AdamsThere was duathlon action at Petworth Park last year Picture by Louise Adams
There was duathlon action at Petworth Park last year Picture by Louise Adams

In addition to these runs, there will be a 1.5k Discovery fun run for kids, refreshments, a sports festival including a variety of have-a-go activities for the whole family to enjoy, plus music and retail.

The car park will open at 8.30am, with races starting from 10am.

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Louise Cornish, Discovery Run race director, said: “We are very excited by the routes on offer with a challenge for everyone, from four-year-olds on the fun run to participants after a more challenging half-marathon exploring new terrain.”

Discovery 5k

Starting within the sports festival, a small incline in the first kilometre will provide runners with spectacular views out across the park. Enjoy a flat section around the Upper Pond, to take in Petworth House in all its glory, before heading downhill into the park, spotting herds of fallow deer. The route passes by the Lower Pond, before a final gradual climb. It’s then all downhill for a finish in front of the house.

Discovery 10k

Following the same initial route as the Discovery 5k, the route will split after 3.5k. This will allow 10k runners to discover what the 700-acre deer park has to offer as the route follows grass paths and trails to all edges of the park. Passing through open parkland, the main climb of the route comes at the halfway point. It is short and sharp but opens up panoramic views, runners can even spot Petworth House in the distance. Enjoy the downhill section and the scenery when passing by the picturesque Lower Pond, before the final stretch to the finish line.

Discovery Half

Half marathon runners will discover not only what the park has to offer, but enjoy exclusive access to the Leconfield estate. Following the Discovery 10k, the route will split just before 7k, when runners will follow the chalk path to enter the estate.

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Runners will twist and turn through the woodland areas and pass by picturesque lakes over the flattest part of the route. A road crossing at 13k at the estate exit will lead to Upperton Common to follow narrower trails through the woods.

Runners will re-enter the park at the highest point on the route, offering breathtaking views. It’s downhill from here, and the parkland opens up again. After passing the Lower Pond, runners will have a short climb and then a downhill straight to the finish line.

To view Discovery Run route maps, please visit http://www.thediscoveryrun.com/route/