Here is a date for your 2022 race diary: Sunday 16 January and the Riverbank Rollick with 9.6 miles of fields, bridle paths, woodland and a stream. Expect mud and plenty of it if we have a wet and windy winter and there is a steep hill at the end but the sense of achievement is worth it.

A friendly, well organised event from Thornbury Running Club, the Riverbank Rollick returns in 2022 and such is the popularity of this race that entries sell out quickly. Take the plunge now to avoid disappointment.   

It starts at 10.30am near Thornbury Castle which is a 10 minute jog or 15 minute walk from the Race HQ – ideal for a warm up followed by a final check of your shoes to ensure the laces are tied tightly. The organisers recommend off-road shoes with a very good grip – sage advice especially for the muddy sections!

Runners head off from the start on an undulating to hilly course on tracks, across fields and onto a short section of road before more fields then along the riverbank. There are some technical stretches through the woods. The last mile is downhill and into the stream followed by a run up a grassy slope to the finish in Mundy Playing Fields.            

Even if the weather is frightful the marshals are delightful, wearing a variety of costumes as they applaud and encourage everyone around the tricky route. Mr Blobby made an appearance at the 2018 race.  

Entries open on Friday 3 December, the details of which will be posted on the Thornbury Running Club website and Facebook. 

Image courtesy of Jude Rugman.