RUN COURSE OVERVIEW

Leaving Transition

After exiting transition competitors retrace their steps downhill across the north lawn towards the swim exit. At the bottom of the hill bear right onto an estate bridle track that circumnavigates Ray Wood. At the end of Ray Wood continue straight on. The Olympic distance competitors will turn right here onto their shorter 5K course so don’t be tempted to follow them!

farm buildings before turning left into Pretty Wood. Pretty Wood will afford you views of the gardens that are little seen including the stunning Pyramid and curious Statue of the Four Faces.

South Of The Castle

BOG HALL & SPRING WOOD

After another 400m you will arrive at a farm complex called Bog Hall. Continue straight on here and follow the track which becomes a path in a north easterly direction towards an escarpment called Spring Wood. Contour along the edge of the lower part of the wood into the corner of the field to what is called the Alamo Trekking Centre on OS Maps (not much evidence of trekking going). From here head south and then south west on a bridle track called Thackadale Lane. At this point look back towards the castle over your right shoulder and you will see the colossal structure of the Howard family mausoleum on the hill towering above you.

At 8K you hit the metaled road again and head north across a field towards New River Bridge from where you will catch your first glimpse of the south of Castle Howard. The next K sees you winding up a series of levels into the formal gardens. You will pass to the north of the iridescent South Lake and then around the manicured south lawn and famous Atlas Fountain. Another 300m and you will head up the cruel incline to the top of Ray Wood and the small reservoir that provided the castle with its mains water pressure in its early years. A canter down a cherry tree lined slope will see you back adjacent to the castle itself with a tempting view of the finish line straight ahead. At the bottom pass through stone gates and then turn immediately right on a metaled estate road to begin your second lap. Next time round start your sprint finish from this point!

Pretty Wood

After turning right and running along the edge of a field you will join a metaled road that descends into a little sheltered bowl/spinney with

Please take note of the following 7 key junctions/points of interest on the run course