20 April 2022

Little Bytham Farm Run is back!

A local organic farm will once again be opening its field gates on Sunday 29^th May to host Little Bytham’s annual Farm Run, the LB5K, after an absence of two years.

The event offers a unique opportunity for runners of all abilities to explore the countryside on both 5K and 10K distances, with funds generated going to two key local charities — MindSpace Stamford and the Lincs & Notts ‘Ambucopter’ Air Ambulance service.

The LB5K course is an off-road circular route that takes in the grassy paths and farm tracks that weave their way through The Grange, a working organic farm. Like so many other local events, Covid restrictions led to an unplanned break for 2020 and last year, but the organisers have taken the opportunity to further improve the course by adding in some new sections, as well as including, for the first time, chip timing for both the 5K and 10K distances.

The picturesque course first takes runners beside a stream and from there the course climbs towards the open countryside and Holywell Hill, before gently dropping back towards the village, taking in parts of the former Midland and Great Northern railway on the way.

Farmers John and Guy Turner, who organise this popular event with the help of their families and villagers  describe the10K course as “Sharing much of the 5k course but also taking in additional sections of the former railway line with its affectionately named ‘Troll Bridge’ and the farmyard itself, with some extra little ‘interesting elements’ thrown in for good measure. Towards the finish there’s also the infamous ‘splash and dash’ option through the ford for those looking to save the extra seconds rather than using the footbridge, or just the chance to cool down!”

There will be finisher’s medals for both 5k and 10k races and some special trophies made by one of the village’s craftsmen for the first overall and the first local female and male runners home. Times will be recorded by chip measurement by J C Race Solutions.

Proceeds from the LB5K Farm Run are shared between local charities, which this year are MindSpace Stamford and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. John says: “We’re really pleased to be able to support these fantastic local charities – like so many voluntary support services, the value of that work is often only appreciated when it is most needed. For both of these organisations, it would be easy to assume that something providing such an important service benefits from central Government funding, which of course is not the case.”

This will be the first year that the event has been able to support MindSpace, but the organising team have welcomed the opportunity to help: “We know from our own experience that providing the right space and support to help people recover from challenges to their mental wellbeing is difficult within an institutionalised environment and particularly when waiting lists mean that the support cannot be delivered in the most effective and timely way. MindSpace know exactly what is needed and importantly, can provide when it is most needed; that can make all the difference in the world for someone who needs support.”

A popular local event

First held in 2018 as a 5K run, a 10K distance option was added in 2019 for more serious runners. John Turner says: “The village for many years had a fete, which was an opportunity for the village to showcase what it has to offer to visitors from both near and far. We felt that a Farm Run would be a nice way to continue in that same spirit and to bring people together to share in what is a lovely part of the countryside. The Farm has a fairly extensive network of permissive paths, which are maintained throughout the year, so we had a ready-made course for a 5k run.”

This is a friendly, welcoming event and even the family dog can join in on the 5K route provided they are kept on a short lead. Little Bytham village hall hosts bag a drop and toilet facilities, and refreshments with a “village fete” feel will be available at the finish line. Families and supporters can cheer the runners on at dedicated spots on the course and refreshments, shade/shelter and seating will be available.

Entry fees are just £10 for the 5K distance, £18 for 10K and £16 for running club members, including Stamford Striders (the 10k event is one of their Club Championship series). This is a popular event with a total capacity of just 350 so runners are advised to reserve places as soon as possible. Full details about the event and how to enter can be found at www.lb5k.org and on the LB5k Facebook page.