Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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The School Run

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 5 ?

Gnarl Factor: 3 ?

8.3km

15m

15m

100m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Riverside

Other

Run Makeup

10%
70%
20%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +0.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -0.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:00

Slow

0:50

Moderate

0:35

Fast

This trail is maintained by the Mid-Canterbury Mountain Bike Club and is a multiple use track. It is a loop track, clearly marked with directional arrows. It is a section of track that links to a larger network of tracks that runs alongside the Ashburton River on both the North and South Side. It is a fun urban trail run that loops through the willows with very 'slight" up and downs throughout the track. It is technical underfoot, not hard technical but there are a few rocks and tree roots ready to jump out and get you. Just follow the trail, it's easy. The trail is suitable for running prams, though on the more adventurous side. Also a great track for kids to bike ride whilst parents running.

Lots of parking beside the bridge. If traffic is heavy it can be difficult exiting Parking Lot if you need to cross traffic.

1 km

2 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

This track is easy to follow. Clearly marked and used by many local for mountain biking and riding.

Perfect throughout.

Windproof jacket, Cellphone.

None

Being next to river this track does flood in some sections during/after rain events. All streams are passable in all weather. During strong wind, it is not uncommon for trees to come down across the track and it is inadvisable to run the track during extremely strong winds.

Take care in high winds and heavy rain.

Trail Legend

TH

Toresa HOOPER

has completed The School Run once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

It wasn't until I was half way round that I noticed the winding tracks (that the GPX follows) are marked as 'MTB only'. I'm not about to endorse people flaunting rules, but the MTB tracks definitely look to be more fun to run on than the 'walking' track which looks to be pretty straight. I guess run at own risk! The GPX also wanders a bit and tends to flit between the MTB track, the walking track, and somewhere in between at times. From the description it seems that the intent is to follow the MTB loop so take GPX file with a grain of salt.

Brion Matthews

September 13, 2022

The windy bits on this trial (the map) are for cyclists only - numerous "cyclists only" signs around. There is also a shared trail that runs along side - works out to be about 6.5kms return, given it's pretty straight. Lots of river stone around after the floods, so the gnarl factor could be a bit higher. Lovely trail, thanks for sharing!

Mark Buckland

January 9, 2022

A running river, abundance of bird song and a thick forest made for a really enjoyable short run. Some of the track is MTB only, some is MTB & Walkers/Runners, some is Walkers/Runners. Amazing MTB activity park near the start/end of the run too.

John OConnell

November 7, 2020

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