Harrold-Odell Country Park - 25k & 50k Trail Races

Set in the heart of North Bedfordshire and only 40 minutes from London, our flat and fast trails are perfect for new trail runners and/or experienced athletes looking to set a quick time.

Each of our 25km, and 50km routes has been carefully chosen to take in the picturesque landscape, characterised by gently rolling hills, woodland trails, valleys with winding rivers and wide open spaces for traffic free running. Our North Bedfordshire trail routes follow some of the best known trails in the area, including Three Shires Way, Ouse Valley Way, the John Bunyan trail and the Stevington Country Way

25km: Perfect if you are new to trail running or stepping off the road. Fully marked, fully supported, and designed to feel achievable and enjoyable, with generous cut-offs and runnable terrain that keeps things stress-free.

50km: Ideal if you are ready to step up in distance. Fully marked, fully supported, and designed to feel achievable, with generous cut-offs and runnable terrain that rewards steady pacing and confidence.

All of our races start and end on Harrold-Odell Country park, with two attractive lakes, cafe, toilets and public parking.

All distances are fully supported and include aid stations with fuel and hydration, as well as fully marked and marshalled trails.

Thunder Races events are timed events, with results provide online following your race.

Parking is freely available at Harrold-Odell Country park. NOTE: The overflow car park is closed and locked at 17:00 each day.

Harrold-Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS

Harrold-Odell Country Park is located at Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS

By Car:

SatNav users can use the postcode MK43 7DS

Directions from Bedford
Follow the A6 north out of Bedford. Take the second turn on the left off the bypass following the signs for Oakley and Pavenham. Drive through Pavenham and take the right turn for Carlton. Pass through Carlton, crossing over a narrow bridge into Harrold. The Park is clearly marked on the right, just beyond the bridge.

Directions from Northampton
Follow the A428 south from Northampton to Lavendon. Pass through the village centre and turn left into Harrold Road. Follow this to Harrold, driving through the village. At the T-junction turn right towards Carlton. The Park is the next turn on your left and is clearly signposted.

Directions from the M1 coming south
Leave the motorway at Junction 14, taking the A509 towards Newport Pagnell. Take the third exit at the next roundabout (A509 Olney and Wellingborough). Take the second exit at the next roundabout. Drive straight through Olney. At the next roundabout take the third exit. At the T-junction turn right (A428 Carlton and Bedford). Enter Turvey and take the first left to Carlton. Pass through the village and at the T-junction turn left to Harrold. The Park is on the right shortly after the bridge over the River Ouse.

By Train:

There are regular train services from London, Leicester, Sheffield, Leeds and Milton Keynes that service Bedford Midland train station. There is a taxi rank located directly outside the train station. Harrold-Odell Country Park is approximately 11 miles from Bedford train station.