A Digest by Eric Roller (CUOC 1995-98)

All you enthusiastic runners out there will know the problem: running up and down the same strip of land over and over again is terribly boring. For those of you in Cambridge, I have compiled a selection of different running areas which you can try out to get some variety into the business.

What the suggested runs have in common that they are aimed to avoid motor traffic and tarred roads as much as that is possible. Please note that most of them are star-trips, i.e. you will have to come back the same way you came. You will find that most of the better areas are further away from the centre than is convenient - I say, use your bike to get out into the countryside - it's worth it.

Please let me know, in case you have any suggestions on other, maybe better, areas - we might get a decent running guide out of this. [Although Eric has now left Cambridge, suggestions are still welcome - please send them to the current webmaster]

Quick Guide to the Symbols

Starting Points Where you can start your run (with distances for a return trip). Cycle Ride For areas outside the centre, a cycle ride is advisable (distance from the centre given). Route Description An account on the suggested route. Long Distance Extensions Suggestions for longer runs. Rating A personal evaluation of the training area (One = very enjoyable, Six = boring).

Guide to the Maps

Great St Mary's, the University Church For your guidance, St Mary's is indicated on all maps as a fixpoint. However, out-of-town maps show a different fixpoint, such as the New Addenbroke's Hospital. Start of the Run In good old orienteering tradition, the (first) start is indicated by a triangle on the maps. End of the Route / Turning Point Correspondingly, the turning point is indicated by a circle. Alternative routes and potential extensions to the runs are indicated by dotted lines. I wish to point out that I was not granted permission to use OS maps, even though I had some which were deliberately blurred, thus lacking the small details; they would not have been very useful without the originals for comparison. (950919)

Pointers to the Runs

• Guide to Cambridge Parks
• Grantchester Meadows [SW]
• To Coton and beyond [W]
• The new University Athletics Ground [W]
• Down the River Cam [NE]
• Vicar's Brook or Hobson's Conduit [S]
• Wandlebury Ring [SE]
• Along the Roman Road [SE]
• Stow-cum-Quy and Anglesey Abbey in Lode [NE]

Scheduled for the next Update

• Histon / Impington Area [N]
• and a few more of your suggestions...