SANDALL PARK – PARKRUN REVIEW

My runner’s eye view of some of the parkruns I’ve visited, with some general information and event overview for any prospective first time visitors. All information correct at time of writing and is subject to local change.

Sandall Park – Doncaster

Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Postcode: DN2 5DY (Thorne Road)

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As someone who often travels across the country to commentate at motorcycle meetings, this has often been a handy way of being able to take in some new parkruns including some at venues maybe off the beaten tourist trail.

Like many other provincial towns and small cities across the UK, Doncaster carries its own proud history and heritage, but perhaps isn’t talked about in parkrun tourism circles like it’s more northerly neighbours York or Fountains Abbey. Yet a visit to a parkrun carries its own charm and perhaps more of a ‘local’ feel than some of the tourism favourites. Reading some of the parkrun tourism posts on social media and from meeting visitors at local events, there’s a similar trend amongst away day football supporters.

My visit to Doncaster was for the first round of the Plews Tyres British Masters Motocross championships taking place at a venue on the outskirts of the city. A cursory look at the parkrun events map revealed that Sandall Park was ridiculously close to the venue I was attending all weekend, so it seemed an ideal opportunity to visit a new venue, something I hadn’t done for some time.

Sandall Park is a large suburban town park on the outskirts of the city, travelling through Doncaster to the venue I passed the rows of old terraced streets, all looking very reminiscent of Lister Avenue in nearby Balby, which served as the location of Arkwright’s shop in the famous BBC sitcom ‘Open All Hours’

Heading out in the suburbs took in the famous Doncaster racecourse, before eventually the main road network brought me to Sandall Park.

There is a small car park next to the park itself, and anticipating the need for a quick getaway afterwards to get over to the race meeting, I’d ensured I travelled early to ensure I got a space. The car park is fairly small and was filled up ahead of parksrun time, but this isn’t a huge issue as on the opposite side of the road is a small retail park and Lidl supermarket which had ample parking spaces.

A popular outdoor location that looked very well kept, Sandall Park incorporated sculpted gardens surrounding a large former boating lake. I received a friendly welcome from the friendly Run Director who also provided a first timers’ welcome for the dozen or so of us attending for the first time.

The course itself incorporated a pleasant loop around the park to begin with, before two longer loops incorporating the park, surrounding football pitches and some more natural parkland on the venue perimeter. Mostly flat, the park section included some minor undulations including a very short hill which was completed three times.

Terrain incorporated tarmac paths in the main park, and grass along the perimeter fields, although I would imagine trail trainers are not required. The local soil is quite sand based and drains well. Bear in mind that the football pitches are on fairly exposed parkland, so could experience a few crosswinds to cool you down!

The course finish is back in the main park by the sculpted gardens, not far from the start. Unfortunately my commitments meant I couldn’t hang around after the finish, it was a case of scanning my barcode and heading straight off to my event, but there was still time to thank the Run Director and tell her how much I’d enjoyed the course. There was no time sadly for post parkrun coffee, but the event website and local authority information states a café is located in the park and opens from 9am. Alternatively, don’t forget the aforementioned Lidl, the bakery section of which always has a nice selection of post-run treats!

VENUE INFORMATION

Location: Sandall Park, Thorne Road, Doncaster, DN2 5DY

Surface: Tarmac, grass

Shoes: Road shoes best

Dogs allowed: Yes

Buggies allowed: Yes

Parking: On site car park off Thorne Road. Bear in mind the entrance is narrow, so be mindful of possible oncoming traffic as you enter / exit. Alternative ample parking available at retail park / supermarket located on the other side of Thorne Road, opposite park. All parking free of charge – check local signage in retail park for any time limits.

Toilets: Available on site near car park

Public Transport: Several local buses run from the Doncaster Interchange to Sandall Park (67, 76, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88). Approx 15 minute journey to Sandall Park. Check local bus schedules for timing. Doncaster railway station approximately three miles from venue.

Food / Drink: Sandall Park Café located on site. Lidl supermarket also just over road.

Accommodation: Travelodge, Premier Inn and Holiday Inn all located in the vicinity of Doncaster. Whilst staying in the area for the motocross I stayed at The Ingram Arms pub in Hatfield, a village on the eastern outskirts of Doncaster (DN7 6RS). Cheap accommodation, food available at both pub and nearby locations. Approximately 4.5 miles / 10 minute drive from Sandall Park.