All Rather Tame
Some parkruns are delayed by logistics. Others by motivation. Tamworth Castle Grounds was delayed by water. I’d meant to come here before, but the River Tame had other ideas. It’s a river with a long history of doing whatever it wants. It drains half of Birmingham and Wolverhampton, and it floods whenever the mood takes it. My previous plans were washed away. Literally. Those were over the previous autumn and winter, where the quantity of precipitation could best be described as generous.
Incidentally, this course had to be called “Tamworth Castle Grounds” because parkrun HQ doesn’t allow two events with the same name, and Tamworth, New South Wales got there first.
It was dry this time. Cool, grey, and perfectly acceptable for a Saturday morning. I can’t remember the exact reason for choosing Tamworth. I think the rest of the club were off somewhere I didn’t fancy. Or maybe I just wanted a change. Either way, “finally” felt appropriate as I wandered in under the shadow of a castle that looks less imposing from the park than the name suggests. In fact, I’m not 100% sure you can see the castle anywhere from the course when the trees have leaves on.
The Course
The route is a mix of loops. One big lap to the east, a smaller one to the west, and then another go at the big one. It’s mostly flat, with a small rise onto an embankment that barely counts as a hill. Parts of it are narrow, but nothing alarming. I’ve run tighter paths and survived.
The river sits close by for much of the course. It behaved itself today. No drama, no puddles, no signs of its usual enthusiasm for expansion. The field was large — maybe 500 runners — but it spread out quickly enough. I chatted to a few people at the start, which helped pass the time and settle the nerves.
The Running Bit
I would love to say I was quick. I wasn’t. Life has been heavy lately, and that weight shows up on the stopwatch. Stress and low spirits don’t pair well with healthy eating, and there’s more of me to carry round than I’d like. Still, I got it done.
I crossed the line in 33:35. Not sharp, not dreadful, just a run. My 70th venue, which is a milestone worth noting. The course was pleasant, the volunteers cheerful, and the whole thing felt calm. Sometimes that’s enough.
No Coffee, No Cake, Just Home
I didn’t stay for breakfast. I didn’t even look for a café. Instead, I decided I had an urgent appointment with “Meh!” back home. Some days are like that. You run, you nod politely at the scenery, and you head off before the mood changes.
I’d come back, though. Next time I’d stop for food. The place deserves that.
All Wrapped Up
A long‑delayed visit, a gentle course, and a steady run.
Tamworth Castle Grounds didn’t flood, didn’t frustrate, and didn’t disappoint.
Parkrun #70 — A quiet tick in the book. I’ll return for breakfast.
