PHOENIX - Wiltshire - Kingfisher Run

5th Sep 2026

Approved TRA permit no.8671

PHOENIX RUNNING WILTSHIRE COMES TO COATE WATER COUNTRY PARK …… BE IN YOUR ELEMENT! Welcome to our inaugural event; The Kingfisher Run. Where the paths are scenic, the bling is massive, and the atmosphere entirely unpressured. Whether you are chasing a new PB, looking for a great training run, wanting to test kit, see how far you can go or would just like a lovely walk, run or joggle in the park; this event is for you. By the way did we mention that the medal is mammoth and spins! THE EVENT CONCEPT This is a timed event, you can start anytime between 7.30am to 8.30am and complete as many or as few 3.35 mile (5.36km) laps as you wish before the finish cut off time of 3.00pm. For those aiming for a specific distance: 1 Lap: Perfect for a quick 5k+ trail fix. 3 Laps: Ten-Miler. 4 Laps: A Half Marathon. 8 Laps: A Full Marathon. 9+ Laps: Ultra-marathon territory! As long as you complete at least one lap, you are an official finisher with an official time and you will receive our epic Kingfisher spinning medal. You can stop at any time, take a break, or keep pushing until the clock runs out. You can ‘ring out’ your achievement on our unique Howzat Howitzer! THE VENUE Coate Water Country Park, Swindon. There is a café in the park which is open from 10.00am to 4pm (https://www.facebook.com/Coatewatercafe/). There is also The Sun Inn by the park entrance open from 9.30am serving food and drinks. (https://suninn-swindon.co.uk/) THE TERRAIN A mixture of well-maintained gravel and tarmac paths, lakeside tracks, and woodland trails. Generally flat, with a couple of cheeky undulations (read on!) and perfectly suited for road shoes. KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR A FLASH OF BLUE! Coate Water is a stunning Local Nature Reserve famous for its 56-acre reservoir and quiet wetland areas. True to our theme, the park is a prime habitat for breeding kingfishers. Keep your eyes peeled as you complete your laps, runners frequently spot a sudden flash of electric blue and orange darting across the water; it’s a magical distraction from the miles! CONQUERING THE FAMOUS "CURLY WURLY" BRIDGE To give this route some true character, our lap takes you up and over Swindon's iconic "Curly Wurly" Bridge (also known as the Helter Skelter bridge). This famous, Brutalist-style concrete spiral footbridge loops you smoothly up into the sky crossing right over the roaring M4 motorway, beyond is the woodland railway path where you’ll be surrounded by birdsong and scampering squirrels. It adds a brilliant twist to the course and is the perfect spot for a mid-race high-five or a cheeky race photo! THE FAMOUS PHOENIX AID STATION We don't do boring race fuel. Our legendary aid station will be located at the start/finish of every lap, meaning you are never more than 3.35 miles away from a feast. Special dietary requirements (Vegan/Gluten-Free) are always catered for! Places are strictly limited to ensure the paths and "Curly Wurly" Bridge don't get overcrowded, so grab your spot early!