Information about off-road group runs that are organised by the club.

On this page

Headtorch runs

Please read the information below before arriving for the head torch run. Trail shoes are recommended for all runs.

What you need

In order to take part in the head-torch run, you must have a head-torch (or other running light device). It is recommended that you test the beam of your light in very dark surroundings as there are no streetlights at all on most of the route. The route is mostly off road and will likely be muddy so suitable footwear is a must. Familiarise yourself with the route before setting off.

How it works

You will be required to sign a register at the beginning of the run and then sign in again afterwards (to make sure we don't lose anyone in the dark!) The runs will organised in 'pace groups' to ensure that no one has to run alone. Further details about how this will work will be announced nearer the time.

Head torch routes

Wittenham Clumps

Boars Hill

Rye Meadow (Radley Lakes)

Rye Meadow 2 (Radley Lakes)

River runs

Long Wittenham

Starting from The Plough pub car park.

Starting from the Barley Mow pub car park.

  • PDF descriptions - all distances
  • Route map - long (just over 12 km). For the medium you turn right onto Little Wittenham Road at Little Wittenham avoiding the loop through the arboretum (takes about 2.4 km off). Alternatively, out and back to Day's Lock is about 9 km.

Dorchester

Starting from Fleur De Lys pub car park.

Radley

Starting from the Bowyer Arms pub car park.

Abingdon

Starting from the Rye Meadow car park.

Ridgeway runs

Ever fancied running on the Ridgeway but worried you might get lost? Well AAC can help, with our new series of led Ridgeway Sunday runs.

Signpost on the RidgewayEach run will start promptly at 9am from a location on the Ridgeway - maps will be posted here before each run. They will be pre-planned to allow runners to arrange lifts for car sharing. We recommend you use the club Facebook page if you can give/need a lift.

Next run - 25 March 2018

Out and back - all runs start at the end of stage 2 and run in the reverse direction (west - east) towards the start or the Ridgeway Relay.

Parking and meeting point: Whiteleaf Car Park.

For anyone who wants to, we will meet at the The Red Lion, Princes Risborough HP27 OLL.

To allow more people to run, there will be three start times:

  • 9am (3hr)
  • 10am (2hr)
  • 11am (1hr)

All runs start at the finish of stage 2 and then run in reverse through the stage (6 miles) and into stage 1 (11 miles). How far you get will depend on your start time. Basically, the 3hr run goes from Princes Risborough to Wendover, then from Wendover to Ivinghoe Beacon, and back again.

Navigationally this leg could be tricky, and includes running through part of the Prime Minister's country residence, Chequers. Please check you are familiar with the route and remember you will be running it in reverse. Check the maps below before you run.

Route links (remember we will be running the stages in reverse):

Sign up to run

Please use the sign up form below to let us know which run time you want to do and whether you will be eating at the pub.

Fuel for distance running

If running for two hours you will need two gels / or some energy fuel to keep going.

Marathon training and pace

As these are long training runs we will be running at 1 to 2 mins per mile slower than marathon pace. Those taking part in spring marathons times will range from 8 min for each mile to 12 minutes. 

The intention is to run at a pace where it is possible to converse with a running partner. Please join us even if you can only run for one hour.

Benefits

  • To encourage more club runners to take part in the Ridgeway Relay on 18 June 2017 (the runs follow the same route). Also to help planning teams for the relay. We hope to enter a minimum of two teams (20 runners).
  • These runs will offer the opportunity to run with a small group at a similar pace between 8 mins and 12mins.
  • To share long training runs with other members of the club as part of your own marathon training plan.
  • For marathon training up 50 + miles a week the benefits of running off road, is less impact on knee joints etc.

How this can help you

  • You'll gain a good knowledge of the Ridgeway Relay sections for taking part in the relay race in 2017.
  • You'll build confidence in running on uneven ground which will help you at Club Champs runs such as ‘The Dursley Dozen’ and cross country.
  • You'll be able to practice refuelling for longer races.
  • Runners can share advice with those wishing to enter longer distance runs for the first time.

What you will need

  • Trail shoes as many of the sections can be muddy and wet.
  • Water and energy gels as you will be increasing run times to 2hrs / 3hrs. Ideally after 6 miles (or 40 mins) most runners need to refuel.
  • A small gel belt is a good idea, however it is possible to attach gels to clothing with safety pins.
  • As it is quite exposed on the Ridgeway, long sleeve shirt under a t-shirt, gloves and a hat will help retain heat on cold mornings.

Bluebell runs

Runs leaving from The Black Horse pub, Gozzards Ford at, 6.50pm. If you don’t enjoy getting lost it is a good idea to print the map and instructions for the distance you will be running.

New Year's Day runs