A fabulous effort from volunteers such as, from left, Martyn Draper, Sam Draper, Ian Fenney and Tim Fenney helped make the tower run a huge success
What a day! All those involved in making sure Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2017 was a huge success deserve all the praise they are getting.
And here is a brief review of what people have been saying about their day at Hill Close:
Such a great day! That route was amazing, tough but so beautiful. The entertainment after was perfect and the kids loved the bouncy castle… and I came away with a trophy ?????? Anna Midgley
Well, it was hot… but a great (steep) course and really well marshalled. Will be back next year, hopefully. Thanks to all involved in setting up and running the event. James Graham
Really good event. Very well organised. Well done all. Anne Sallis
Great day amazing route will definitely be back next year. Andy Foden
Really enjoyed it, especially the down hill section! Will be back next year! Laura Claire
Well done to the organisers. What a great atmosphere at the cricket club, and a fantastic route. DEFO do again next year! Anderson Hirst
Blummin hot, but really enjoyed it. It was a great event, really well organised. Super proud I ran the whole thing ???? xx Alice Clark
We just wanted to say what an amazing morning we had at Bredon! Thoroughly enjoyed it (especially the downhill!) and we’ll spread the word and be back next year. Kevin and Isobel McDowell
A massive well done and thank you to all who organised the first tower run. A great course and an even better social after. Roll on next year ??? Darren Gamble
Matt Baumber
A big thanks to everyone who organised and marshalled the Bredon Cricket Club Tower run today. I really enjoyed it hope to see you next year with a few more members from Kenilworth runners. Thank you, enjoy the bank holiday. Gail Bates
Travelled up from Cornwall for this event. Stayed with friends in Alderton. What a great run. Can’t believe it was the first time. It was so well organized, hats off to the team who put it together. A tough but excellent course. Would make a great winter headtorch race. Paul Gwynne
I’ve just about recovered from your run. Thank you for such a well organised event. See you next year ? David Jones
Local press coverage of Bredon Cricket Cricket Club Tower Run 2017
Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2017 press coverage: Evesham JournalBredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2017 press coverage: Malvern GazetteBredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2017 press coverage: Worcester News
Ninety runners took up the challenge to run from the cricket club to Parson’s Folly on the 299m summit of Bredon Hill and back.
Blue skies and brilliant sunshine meant the conditions were ideal for spectators, but tough for the runners.
Nevertheless, Rob Bowery set a blistering pace, finishing the 10k run first with a time of 42 minutes.
First female runner across the line was Anna Midgeley, first male member of Bredon Cricket Club was Simon Booth, and first female member of Bredon Cricket Club was Laura Spence.
Organiser Jennie Warren said: “This is our first tower run, and we are delighted how well it went and with the complimentary remarks we have had from the runners.
“I want to thank everyone who helped set it up, and all those who took part.”
Everyone who finished the run received a finisher’s medal, and many stayed on after the run to enjoy an afternoon party at the cricket ground.
There was a barbecue, bouncy castle for younger children and first-class musical entertainment from the Malvern Hillbillies.
The clubhouse bar was open and a friendly cricket game was being played between Bredon and Alcester and Ragley.
Next year’s tower run is on May 27, 2018. Make a note in your diary!
Do you have any pictures of the run to share? Add the hashtag #TowerRun2017 to your posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and we’ll find them (see foot of this post for your pictures).
Just have a credit or debit card handy and click on the link above to our secure payment site.
It only costs £10 and your fee includes entry to the run and the free party afterwards.
There will be a barbecue, cake stall, bouncy castle for younger children and music by the Malvern Hillbillies. Our fully licensed bar will also be open.
Guests and spectators are also invited to come along to watch the run and enjoy the free celebrations afterwards.
Why not enjoy a walk to the summit of Bredon Hill to cheer the runners’ arrival at Parson’s Folly, then make your way back down to enjoy the fun and refreshments at the cricket ground?
It promises to be a terrific day for all the family!
Let’s face it. If it was easy you wouldn’t get that fabulous feeling of achievement afterwards. It entails a 299m climb, but you will feel much greater satisfaction at completing the run than from a flat 10k. And remember you don’t have to break any records. Take your time, walk if you need to, and just enjoy an amazing running experience.
2. The views are breathtaking
Runners will enjoy stunning views on the tower run course
Few people reach the top of Bredon Hill and are disappointed by what they find there. The iconic 18th-century tower (Parson’s Folly) and the atmospheric Iron Age fort are fascinating in themselves, but the biggest treat lies in the sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham, south to the Cotswold Hills and west to the Malverns. It is countryside that inspired the poetry of A E Housman, and it is simply breathtaking.
3. The entertainment is terrific
Completing the tower run isn’t the end of your day at Bredon; we are laying on a big party for all our runners. There will be a barbecue and cake stall, and Americana music from the Malvern Hillbillies band. Our fully licensed bar will be open, and there will be a bouncy castle for younger children. Our cricket ground at the foot of Bredon Hill is the perfect place for friends and families to watch the runners cross the finish line and help them celebrate their achievement.
4. It’s a bargain
Entry to the tower run costs just £10. That compares extremely well with other trail runs of similar length. Parking is free too, and there is no charge for guests who simply want to enjoy the hospitality and music at our picturesque cricket ground and soak up the atmosphere of the run.
5. It’s so good for you
Trail running works your muscles, tendons and ligaments differently than running on the road or treadmill. And running trails uphill or down not only builds your cardiovascular engine, it strengthens quads, glutes, calves, and core, according to Men’s Fitness. Tackling the tower run will also improve your balance and proprioception (your body’s ability to know where it is in space), a benefit that carries over into all the other sports and activities you do.
6. You’ll be helping two very good causes
Part of your entrance fee will go towards the Midlands Air Ambulance. Photo: Midlands Air Ambulance
We are not asking people who enter the tower run to seek sponsorship, but their entry fees will go towards what we think are two very good causes. One is the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. It receives no government or National Lottery funding, and more than £7 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational. The other beneficiary of your entrance fee is us, Bredon Cricket Club. We are a community asset, and we field three adult teams and several junior teams in local leagues. We are proud of our record of introducing scores of youngsters to the national game of the English summer.
The hilltop is marked by an Iron Age fort and the 18th-century Parson’s Folly tower, and it boasts glorious views of the surrounding countryside.
Entry costs just £10 and includes a pre-race warm-up led by a qualified Zumba instructor.
After the run, participants and their families and friends can enjoy musical entertainment and a barbecue at the cricket club, where the fully licensed bar will be open. There will be a bouncy castle for younger children.
Entertainment is being provided by the Malvern Hillbillies, who specialise in old-time Americana music (see video).
The run, which starts at 10am, is open to just 200 and is expected to be oversubscribed.
Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Runners must be aged 16 to 75.
All entrants receive a finisher’s medal, and there will be trophies for first male finisher, first female finisher and first member of Bredon Cricket Club to finish.
Run organiser Jennie Warren said: “Our tower run promises to be one of the most exhilarating and rewarding challenges of the year.
“It is a fabulous route: tough but scenic, and we are laying on some wonderful entertainment for runners, their families and friends when they finish.
“We cannot wait to welcome run entrants to Bredon Cricket Club on May 28.”
Jennie said that although many entrants would be aiming to test themselves, the run is mainly about having fun.
“People should go at their own pace, and they can even walk it if they want to.”
Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2017 is in association with the Crown Inn, Kemerton.
Click on the link below to register and pay securely via EntryCentral, the secure sports event ticketing specialist.
Bredon Hill Tower Run 2017: Frequently asked questions
What is it?
A 10k trail run starting and finishing at Bredon Cricket Club and following pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.
When is it?
Sunday, May 28, 2017
How much does it cost to enter?
£10 (entry includes booking fee and finisher’s medal).
How do I enter?
Follow this link to register and pay securely online at EntryCentral. This is the only method of payment. You will be emailed a receipt and should bring this with you as proof of entry.
Can I pay on behalf of more than one person?
Yes. Just complete the entry form for each runner. When all your registrations are complete you can move through to the checkout and pay for them on one card.
How many runners will there be?
Open to a maximum of 200.
Where is it?
Bredon Cricket Club, Hill Close, Westmancote, near Tewkesbury GL20 7EU.
What time does it start?
The run starts and finishes at Bredon Cricket Club. The first runners set off at 10am, but entrants must arrive at the cricket ground between 8.30am and 9.45am to collect their race number and warm-up.
Does everyone start at the same time?
Runners depart the cricket ground in three tranches in intervals of about 10 minutes. You will be given a chance when you register online to grade yourself as an expert, intermediate or beginner/fun runner. The expert runners start first.
Parking is in a field off Hill Close, just a few hundred metres from the cricket club. It will be signposted on the day.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the run before it starts?
Sorry, there are no refunds.
What happens if I do not turn up for the race?
Your place will remain unfilled, but you will not be given a refund. Neither will you receive your finisher’s medal. You are not required to inform us in advance.
Is there a place where I can safely store my stuff during the run?
No. Arrive in your gear. Leave a change of clothing in your car, or with a friend or relative who can meet you at the start/finish. We would like you to remain at the club after the run to enjoy our barbecue and post-race entertainment.
When do I get my race number? How do I fasten it?
Report to the chief marshal when you arrive at the cricket ground. You will be given your race number. Please bring your own safety pins to attach it to your shirt/vest.
I want to watch the race as a spectator. Where is the best place to go?
The route follows rights of way, but paths are narrow in places so choose where you watch with consideration. The best spot is the summit of Bredon Hill, where there is plenty of space. Please follow the Countryside Code on Bredon Hill.
Are there any toilet facilities?
Yes, we have just arranged some more facilities at the cricket ground due to the number of run entries we have received.
Is the route clearly marked?
Parts will be signposted, and there will be lots of marshals. You will not need a map or navigation aid.
Can disabled people take part in, or watch the race?
Sorry, we are unable to offer facilities for disabled people. Anyone taking part or watching does so at their own risk.
How difficult will it be?
It is a challenging run, with steep gradients on both the uphill and downhill stretches. The terrain encompasses metalled lanes, stony tracks, and paths through fields and woods that may be muddy. But this is a fun event, and you should enjoy it. Go at your own pace… even if that means walking.
Do I need special trail shoes?
Trail shoes may be beneficial, especially in wet weather, but ordinary running shoes will be adequate.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of the run?
It will only be called off in the event of extreme weather. We will post a notice on www.bredoncricketclub.com the morning of the run ONLY if it is cancelled.
Will water be supplied along the route?
No. Runners are responsible for their own hydration. Bottled water and soft drinks will be on sale in our licensed clubhouse bar before, during and after the run. Please do not drop empty drinks bottles along the route.
What happens after the run?
Finishers will be handed their medals as soon as they arrive back at the cricket ground. Later, trophies will be presented for the first male finisher, first female finisher, and first finisher who is a member of Bredon Cricket Club. We hope runners, friends and family will remain at the cricket ground to enjoy our hospitality. There will be music, a bouncy castle for small children, and a barbecue. Our licensed bar will also be open. It will be a chance to relax and share run experiences.
What happens if all the places are gone when I try to register?
Please do not be too disappointed. We hope to make the Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run an annual event. You will be given the option to join the waiting list for next year’s run, and will be alerted by email before entries for the 2018 run go on sale. You will then be offered a limited period in which to register and pay before places are opened to everyone.
Can I be told the route in advance, and have a chance to run it?
No. Runners are not allowed to take dogs on the route for safety reasons.
Can I seek sponsorship and take part in aid of a charity?
Bredon Cricket Club is donating a share of proceeds from the run to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, but you are free to seek sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
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the bank holiday.
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