April 2024 Pack Run Venue (6.45pm start)
The Shepherd’s Rest, Todmorden
This month’s pack run will start from the Shepherd’s Rest, Lumbutts Rd, Todmorden, OL14 6JJ.
April marks our return to off-road running for the summer and to maximize the available light we will have an earlier start time of 6.45pm (toilet seat points are available for those who forget!)
We will be returning to off road running, so FRA kit will be mandatory (windproof/waterproof as a minimum).
All are welcomed for beer/food afterwards. The pub will have a runners special Veg or Meat Chilli available. No need to pre-order as numbers will be taken on the night before the run.
Group leaders are advised to carry a first aid kit (kits are available ffrom the boot of the social secretary’s car).
Spring is the start of the most sensitive time for our moorland ground nesting birds so please remember to keep your eye out and dogs on leads!
Address: Lumbutts Rd, Todmorden OL14 6JJ
Website: shepherdsrestinn.co.uk
Parking: Pub car park & (narrow) main road
Food and Drink: Menus
Running Terrain: Classic Pennine fells
People gather at the “pub of the month” in time for a 7.00pm start (6.45 in April and September). There are usually 3 or 4 groups of varying abilities and all will do a variation of the same basic route – which will be decided on the night according to weather etc. The faster groups go faster and thus run further.
No! You don’t have to be a member to come along and run with us. In fact, pack runs are an ideal way to get to know us and find out whether Tod Harriers is the club for you.
Appropriate running kit and shoes for the weather and terrain. If on the fells bring a waterproof taped-seam cagoule with a hood and overtrousers, hat, gloves, whistle and a mobile in a bumbag or rucsac in addition to what you set off in. If it is dark bring a head torch or hand torch and something reflective or hi-viz. A change of clothing for afterwards….oh – and money for food and liquid refreshment if desired.
We don’t set out to cover a certain distance – the aim is to stay out for 60-90mins. Daylight pack runs tend to last longer than dark, winter pack runs because it is less cold and more fun. If you are worried about not keeping up start out with a slow group and move up a level next week if it was too slow. During a pack run the faster runners in a group will stop at regular intervals to allow everyone to catch up. Don’t worry – you won’t be “dropped” and left on your own.
Most people turn up ready to run. The pub won’t mind you using their toilets to get changed in before or after the run. And there’s the car. Some people don’t bother and just get on with it in the car park!
We carefully choose pack run venues that provide affordable food – you’ve come straight from work and will be starving after the run. Quite often they will put on a “special” for us. If you are vegetarian we insist that the pub will provide for you. You don’t have to stay on after the run – eat at home to avoid the expense.
Of course you can – it’s a pub isn’t it! Just because you’re injured/unwell/resting/can’t be bothered doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the social scene!
Heather says:
“…it can feel a bit daunting on your own as there are so many people with often different faces every week, but everyone is so welcoming this wasn’t a problem.”
Upcoming 2024 venues:
May: The Blue Pig – Midgehole
June: Jacks House – Todmorden
July: Robin Hood – Cragg Vale (subject to confirmation)
