The Shelford Fun Run is a perfect goal for anyone taking up the Couch to 5k the running plan that helps to get beginner runners from 0 up to 5k over a 9 week programme.
Our route is on closed roads, and in places isn’t ideal for running when traffic is flowing, so we’ve put together some suggestions for alternative 5k routes for anyone training locally.
If you know of any other good child friendly/off road routes in the Shelford area, please do let us know by emailing social@shelfordplayscape.org
1. Running on the Rec
To keep things close to the Shelford Fun Run’s home (and completely off road!) you could complete your 5k by running laps around the perimeter of Great Shelford Recreation Ground! If you were to follow the outside line of the football pitches at the top and at each side of the recreation ground you would need to do approx 7 or 8 laps, depending on whether you choose to run in front of, or around the wildflower meadow.
2. Jenny’s path and rectory farm
For this route you could start and finish on Great Shelford Rec, however if you want to avoid running on pavements and road crossings, a larger loop or further laps of the fields could be added.
Route map for Shelford 5k Jennys Path by Shelford Playscape on plotaroute.com
3. DNA cycle path
This is a linear route starting and finishing at the beginning of the DNA cycle path (at the end of Chaston Road, off Hinton Way). There is one road to cross (Granham’s Way), but the route itself is all off road. Follow the DNA cycle path alongside the railway track, bear right when you reach the road bridge and you should reach 2.5k turning point near the junction where you can turn left into the to Addenbrooke’s site or onwards to around the Ninewells development. No cars, but do beware of cyclists!
Route map for Shelford 5k DNA by Shelford Playscape on plotaroute.com
4. Stapleford to sawston footpath
This route is partially on pavements and requires several road crossings. To avoid the main road junctions, we’ve suggested starting this outside Reid House at the junction of Station Road and London Road.
Route map for Shelford 5k Stapleford Path by Shelford Playscape on plotaroute.com
We’d really love to see and share your training and fun run selfies! !t would be amazing to see Shelford Fun Runners from far and wide!
Share your posts on social media using the hashtags #ShelfordFunRun and #ShelfordSelfie so that we, and our fun run community, can find them and share them! You might even win a prize for your pic…. details of our #ShelfordSelfie completion will be coming soon!