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Littleport parkrun

I was originally planning on continuing to visit events in Essex this week, however, I decided to change pace an visit a Cambridgeshire event after a change of plans for my festive parkrunning. I ultmately decided to visit Littleport parkrun this week having looked at previous results, and seeing that there are often a good number of walkers, as I intended to continue walking while recovering from an injury.

The area

Littleport lies in the fens, in Cambridgeshire. The fens is a vast expanse of former marsh land which was drained and reclaimed from 1626 through the construction of a series of canals to drain the land. These canals still shape much of the modern infrastructure in the area today, with many particlarly straight roads and canals to be found in the area.

The village of Littleport was reportedly founded when drunk monks turned away King Canut when he sought shelter. The village is predominantly residential, but played a role in the Peasants Revolt, as well as being one of the main reasons for Vagrancy laws being formed.

Littleport Recreation Ground

The course

Littleport parkrun follows just over 2 laps of a figure-8 course around the grounds of the leisure centre playing fields, and the adjacent recreation grounds, using a path to connect the two.

Free parking, toilets, and a cafe are all available at the leisure centre.

The run

It was a frosty start to the morning today, and so with the course being two-thirds on grass, I decided today was a day for trail shoes - something I was thanknful for as the run passed!

Littleport Leisure Centre

The event reminded me of neighbouring Mildenhall Hub parkrun, being a mixture of paths and grass, using a leisure centre as the base for operations.

Thank you to all of the volunteer team for such a welcoming event!

After the run

After the run, I decided to head westwards towards the Old Bedford River - an artificial river constructed in the 1600s, and used as to drain the fens of Cambridgeshire to create vast amounts of new land.

The view north towards Downham Market

The river runs for approximately 19 miles in a straight line, meeting The Wash, and ultimately the North Sea at King's Lynn.

The view south, with the rail bridge to Manea in the distance

While there are specific waterways, rain in recent weeks meant the drainage system was definitely being used for its intended purpose.

Water in the drainage system

Links: Run Report | Results | Strava

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Location: Littleport Leisure, Camel Rd, Littleport, Ely CB6 1EW, UK

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