PHOENIX - Advent Run

Phoenix Running is inviting you to join them for their annual Christmas 'Advent' run down on the towpath and everyone who runs and registers an interest will automatically go into their grand prize draw. Each year Phoenix hold a Christmas Advent prize draw via Facebook video at 19:30 on 1st December where some epic prizes are up for grabs. They've also got a BRAND NEW massive advent calendar medal for 2023.

This is one of Phoenix's timed events where you choose - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out-and-back, course along the beautiful river Thames.

All abilities of runner are welcome - complete one lap and you're both a finisher and a winner, or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 7-hour time limit and everyone gets a fabulous bespoke finishers' medal.

They also operate a uniquely flexible 'rock up and run' start times within a 1-hour start window, so no waiting around if you arrive early and no added pressure if you're running a bit late. If you have any special start time requirements then just get in touch, because depending on the distance you are planning to run most start time requests can be accommodated.

Whilst Phoenix Running is very much about the bling and their medals are second to none, they are also acutely conscious that events can be expensive to enter and times are tough right now. They are now in our 8th year of fixed prices for standard-themed events, but to try and do their bit there is a 'no medal' entry option at a flat £20. This covers base costs, you get a run with all the usual Phoenix support, epic aid station, same-day results published, athlete's profiles, Phoenix World, digital BIBs, digital finishers certificates, etc, etc but without a medal, the price can be kept low.

Not sure? Well the beauty of this format is that you don't even need to decide in advance - simply come and run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right.

Places will be strictly limited so don't leave it too late to enter.

Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 6 hours. Off road trail, the terrain is riverside towpath. The overall course has no elevation gain / loss making this a flat and fast route.

Phoenix Running offer two different courses from the Weir in Walton. The 'Blue Bridge' route takes you west along the Thames, passing over the small 'Blue Bridge' before passing under Walton Bridge before returning. The 'Hampton Court' route takes you east along the times in the direction of 'Hampton Court', passing Sunbury Locke on the way before returning. Both courses are along scenic towpaths and have no elevation gain / loss making them both fast and flat routes.

The course will be confirmed one week prior to the event and dependent on factors such as planned local events and the weather.