Running the Gipping River has been on our to-do list for a while and the new out-and-back route variation promised a good test of our legs.
We opted to park in Stowmarket for the route and started the run in rainy and incredibly humid conditions. The first 14 miles went well but the pace vs effort surprised us on what is a predominantly flat route. The trail is uneven for much of the first half of the route and the twisty single tracks and encroaching vegetation make it difficult to get into your stride.
Despite being a trail run in a rural county, this is a run with an industrial backdrop. It is peppered with some nice sections, with a Highland Cow and large horse paddock providing relief from the unrelenting humidity.
After reaching Ipswich and taking a quick snap where the Gipping joins the Orwell we retraced our steps, making a single navigation error as we took a premature turn and ran along the dead end side of the river. Mistake aside, this is an easy route to follow!
The return to Stowmarket was much slower. Slick trails after the rain and tired legs didn’t help. I love Suffolk rivers and it was disheartening to see a sewage works discharge directly into the river on our way back.
All in all, it was a fun day out for two brothers who love running.