The course is 5000 metres (5km) long and should be considered technical. The course is 2 laps an outer one followed by an inner one. Some of the paths are shared on both laps. It has been accurately measured using a precision measuring wheel.. This event cannot be considered an official road race as the course consists of mixed surfaces (woodland path). The course is almost flat. While the going is mostly firm, it can be slippery when wet. Hence while we have made every effort to ensure you run exactly 5000 metres, small differences are possible due to the varying surfaces and conditions.

There are some exposed stones and tree roots. The stones have been exposed during the heavy storms we have had over the last couple of years. There is little point in covering them as the material used will get washed away in the next storm. The tree roots form a set of sets with some running between them. Initally we were planning to fill them in with bark and chipings. Runners who have tested the course think they make an interesting feature. Coverham Enclosure is part of a working Forest. There will be timber harvesting occasionally that will change the look of the run.

Please remember that we use shared paths. For the continued success of the event, please give way to other park users. This won't hurt your time, it won't stop you from getting a PB and it will make sure everyone continues to to enjoy the event.

There is ample car parking at the event. Please use the Leisure centre car parks. Please see the map for directions. However, please make the effort to come by foot or bike. Public transport is limited, but please use as often as you are able. The closest train station is Lydney 8 miles

The Forest of Dean parkrun is a fun, free event organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. We wish to make the run as safe as possible, so runners, spectators and helpers are asked to take care about the following:

• Please be considerate to the park and other park users at all times.
• It's a working Forest with raised stones and tree roots on the paths.
• Please arrive by foot, by pedal-power or by public transport if you can - your efforts help to reduce our impact on the park and the planet.
• Please consider volunteering to help occasionally - this event survives only because of your generosity - please vist the volunteer page for more information.
• Take care near roads and car parks - some vehicles drive very quickly. Please congregate away from the cars and be careful in particular if you have children. If you’re driving to the run, please drive carefully even if you’re late!
• Only cross the road at the crossing point it is exactly opposite the opening to the start. There is no advantage crossing anywhere else.
• When running, take care on uneven surfaces - whether on grass or on tarmac. Watch out for cyclists, other runners, pedestrians, children, deer, dogs, vehicles, park maintenance work, falling branches, bollards, posts and other obstacles around the course.
• Runners with dogs are welcome, but please keep dogs on a short lead or harness and under control throughout the event.
• Runners pushing buggies are also welcome (it will be challenging on our course), but please take extreme care of other runners around you. If possible start from the back of the field and try to keep to one side of the main body of runners.
• Please make sure you’re fit enough to run 5k (3.1 miles) – if you’re in any doubt, please consult your doctor.
• Remember to warm up before the run.
• If you see a runner with a serious problem, please stop to help them out and get help as soon as possible.
• If you’re watching, keep clear of runners on the course, and look after any children and dogs you may have with you.
• While rare, Lyme Disease is present in areas where deer live, and occasionally passed to human’s through infected ticks. See NHS Choices website for more about Lyme Disease, and how to deal with ticks.
• This is a free training event, so all run and attend at their own risk.

We hope these tips help to ensure that Forest of Dean parkrun is fun and safe for everyone.

All parkrun events use Age Grading to help athletes compare results.

Age Grading takes your time and uses the world record time for your sex and age group to produce a score (a percentage). This score allows you to compare your personal performance against other people's performances even though they might be a different age and a different sex to you - the higher the score the better the performance. The scores can also be compared across different run distances - to allow you to, for example, compare a 5km time against a marathon.

For more information, please see the Running For Fitness website.