Northampton 10K

Date of event: 25th May 2025

Distance: 10k

Pre Race

This race is one of the closest to Daventry, very easy to get to and park and a route that had some hills to make it slightly challenging but nothing not previously encountered when considering running around the streets of Daventry and the environs.

There were aid stations and great support throughout on familiar roads. As well as a 10K there was a 5k race as well for those wanting a shorter distance.

This is on roads so plenty of space so not too restrictive and easy to pass people for the quicker runners. There were water stations and plenty of opportunity for those that wanted a social run.

It is not the prettiest of routes but not as ugly as some are.

The weather was typical for May and not too hot as some of the summer races can be. Training can be done outside of the tough winter months in spring so the dark nights should not restrict members from the taking part.

The Race Experience

The start was well managed starting on the turf of the Northampton Town football ground. It was easy to identify where to start for the time I was aiming for and therefore avoid having to navigate around slower runners.

There was plenty of signage on the course to update as each KM was completed. I had a plan to start slightly slower and then build quicker in the second half to have slightly negative splits and give me some energy for a strong finish. This I managed to achieve.

Personally I don’t hydrate on a 10k race, though there was the opportunity for those who wished to. There are points on the course for the second 5k where you see runners on the opposite side of the road, the quicker runners could cheer you along and provided me with the opportunity to provide support to my daughter who was doing the 5k with some friends.

There was great support from DRR runners who were volunteers at this event. I personally had great support and was helped for the last KM by one of the volunteers whose role included running in with participants to help us have a strong finish, this was greatly appreciated and pushed me to my second fastest 10k time.

The Finish

The finish was back in the Six Fields stadium and was very well organised with medal, drinks and some snacks available.  It also made it easy to meet up with people afterwards and make your way  out to the course to cheer on fellow club members who were still to complete their run.

I really enjoyed the race and was delighted to have included this on my agenda. I will definitely do thjs race again. This is for a number of reasons, ease of access, a good route with a few hills but not too overwhelming, a lovely atmosphere with good support around the course.

Afterwards the DRR runners who could make it met up at the pub for food, drinks and took the opportunity to reflect on the event. Always a good thing to do and continue the team building within the club.

I learned from the race the importance for me of support and seeing familiar faces on route gave me a boost to push forward. I was pleased with the plan I put in place and was able to stick to.