Riddlesdown is according to Wikipedia is 42 hectares of common grass land that is on the northern end of the North Downs situated in the London Borough of Croydon!

A 32 hectare section of the common is listed as a site of scientific interest as it is the largest chalk scrub land in the Greater London area!

Course

There is about a half mile walk from the assembly point to the start funnel and then it is nearly 2 laps of the common that is relatively flat and takes in a wooded section at the back-end of the course!

As stated on their website course description this is definitely a cross-country style parkrun that is run on multi terrain surfaces from grass, gravel to stoney path! Special care needs to be taken around the stoney path section as it could quite easily trip you up if your were running at high-speed and not taking notice of the surroundings!

In the winter if there is prolonged spell of rain the wooded section can get flooded so make sure you come to the run with a dry pair of shoes and socks if these conditions are the case!

Important also on the grass sections make sure you stay on the worn path as if you stray into the long grass you could be disturbing nesting skylarks!

Personal Stats

My parkrun time 31:19 happy with that considering the kind of terrain not a bad time, feel like my fitness is improving!

Important Info

There is a free car park at the front of Warlingham School, CR6 9YB and toilets are available before the race that is always good!

Did not get chance to join them today as I had to get home but the local post run coffee is a local pub at The Horseshoe, Farleigh Road, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9EG.

Final Verdict

It is great to run on a flat cross-country style grass scrubland kind of course but as already been stated be weary of conditions especially in the winter!

Special thanks to the run director Kenneth Hooks and his team of volunteers for making me very welcome today, much appreciated guys!

Best

Mark aka Silent Runner

Run on 24-09-2016

Extra News: Luton Wardown parkrun

Much admit I am missing out on some special moments at my home parkrun Luton and today is no exception, it was my very good friends Liz Evans (left) 50th parkrun and Elizabeth Mc Ginley belated 70th birthday celebration, you both the reason why I love parkruns and its great community spirit, looking good ladies!

I will finish this challenge but I am starting to feel homesick for my local parkrun and my friends with the great times I am missing 😦

Oh well onwards and upwards next week its the fancy dress event, should be entertaining!