Some people spend their summers sipping rosé in the garden. Others take up paddleboarding. I, for reasons still unclear even to myself, decided to spend mine running five 5Ks across Northamptonshire — through woods, farms, breweries, and historic estates — as part of the Northants 5K Race Series.
It’s billed as a relaxed, accessible set of events for runners of all levels. And it is. But it’s also a curious hybrid: not quite a midweek series, not quite a Sunday morning staple. Spread over five months, it felt more like a collection of charming one-offs than a cohesive series. Still, I ran them all. And I loved (almost) every minute.
Race 1: Delapré Abbey – Sunday 27th April
We kicked off in style at Delapré Abbey, a location so beautiful it almost distracted me from the fact I was running my fastest 5K since COVID. The course was a multi-terrain mix of gravel, grass, and tarmac, with a few narrow pinch points that made overtaking tricky. But the vibe was friendly, the route fast, and the post-run cafe excellent. A strong start.
Race 2: West Lodge Farm – Wednesday 14th May
This one was my favourite. West Lodge Farm is a working farm with animals, hills, and a LOT of straw. Yes, straw. Running on it was brutal, but the novelty of a lama sprinting alongside me (I named him Steve) made up for it. The post-race BBQ was legendary: pulled pork baps, halloumi, and a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere. More parkrun than pressure. Loved it.
Race 3: Blackpit Brewery – Wednesday 18th June
Quirky location, tough race. The fields were cracked and riveted from the heat, making ankle-turns a real risk. But the brewery setting was cool, and it introduced me to Flo, a spa on-site with an outdoor pool, sauna, and plunge pool — now my favourite place to recover from questionable life choices. The bar and food options were top-notch, even if my legs weren’t.
Race 4: Fermyn Woods – Wednesday 9th July
This one was a visual treat. Running through woods and purple-flowered fields felt like something out of a fairytale – albeit one with a lot of uphill sections. The route started downhill and ended uphill (cruel), but the generous slices of cake at the café made up for it. Parking was tight and had to be pre-booked, but the serenity of the location was worth the admin.
Race 5: Chester House Estate – Sunday 7th September
The final race took us to the beautiful and historic Chester House Estate. The route looped around fishing lakes, open countryside, and heritage buildings — a surprisingly tranquil setting considering it’s nestled right next to the A45. A couple of short hills added some challenge, but overall it was a gentle, scenic run with plenty of space to stretch out. A lovely way to round things off.
Final Thoughts
And the medals? Very cool. Each race had its own colour and insignia, and they all slotted together like a jigsaw at the end — a satisfying, tangible reminder of five very different adventures across Northamptonshire.
Would I do it again? Maybe. The locations were brilliant, the organisation smooth, and the atmosphere welcoming. But the spread-out schedule made it feel more like five separate events than a true series. Still, for the price, it was great value — and I got to meet a lama, discover a spa, and eat a lot of cake. Not bad for a summer of running.
Huge thanks to the organisers for putting together such a well-run and welcoming series. If you’re curious about future events, check out https://www.northamptonshiresport.org/running-cycling-events/
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