Ninesprings by Night happens in the surroundings of Ninesprings which is a part of Yeovil Country Park on the edge of Yeovil in South Somerset. The country park forms an excellent backdrop for running in with its woods, lakes, streams, springs and Victorian gardens and café, which serves as our race HQ.
The area is named for the nine natural springs which flow from the valley. This was made into an ornamental garden for the Aldon estate in the 19th century. There are numerous paths to explore in the area and save from one that we all love to run. There is a bit of a risk of falling in a pond during the race including an exhilarating downhill section!
The race is on a 5k course with two laps for the 10k. We’ve gone for this option so we can mark the course with plenty of signage and course markings. There will also be an aid station at the end of the 5k, halfway and at the end of the 10k. The course will be well marked with plenty of signs with reflective elements, reflective course markings and lights to guide you around.
The course takes you past the start/finish twice per lap and is excellent for spectators wanting to cheer the runners on. DO think about wearing something distinctive so your friends and families can pick you out. There will be a prize for the best dressed runner.
Terrain varies from the tarmac along the cycle path – also known as the Yellow brick road – to gravel paths, mud paths and in a few places stone steps.
You will need to wear a head torch to race and carry spare batteries or a backup torch, a limited number of which will be available to hire or buy on the night. We recommend emailing to book.
All finishers will receive a finishers medal for the 5 or 10k. Nuffield gym has also kindly offered a free 7 day pass to all runners. There is a optional part on the race entry form as we need to pass name and email address to them if you wish to receive this.
Water and sweets at aid station during 10k race (approx halfway). Water, sweets, and fruit available at the end.
Showers and Changing available at the Nuffield Gym (a 5 min walk from the race HQ). Their cafe will also be open till 10pm and they can look after your kit during the race.
Time Limit 1h 45.
Race Limit 250 (total of 5 and 10k)
Age Limits, 14 and over for the 5k, 17 and over for the 10k
Costs
5k is £17 affiliated or £19 unaffiliated
10k £19 affiliated or £21 unaffiliated
See the proposed course here on strava
Insurance and Race License from ARC, race permit number tbc
Please read the race terms and conditions before entering
Canicross not permitted at this race but is at some other races
Several public car parks and the private car park serving the Nuffield Gym are within easy walking distance of the Race HQ.
Please note these car parks are only free after 6pm so if arriving before parking fees will apply.
Locals may know there is another car park near the playground but we’re asking runners to avoid parking here as I’m asking marshals to park here to make sure there is more parking free by the race HQ. Also this small car park is on the race route, so early finishers may struggle to get their cars out while other people are still running.
Recce Runs for this race will be announced once we have a date for the race. These are free but you do need to book a place & bring a head torch. If bringing a head torch is a struggle let us know in advance and we’ll try and help. Shoes with a bit more grip than average may be a good idea but there’s only one area that may get seriously muddy.
The plan is to do one approximate lap of the course with some other bits thrown in dependent on the needs of who joins us. Probably looking at a minimum of 4 miles and we will make sure the groups regroup and/or double back. The idea is more to get comfortable running with a head light on trail on a social run.
Dogs are ok if you have public liability insurance to run with them (please message us to let us know) and so are children 13 and above if accompanied on the run by a responsible adult.
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