Ever wondered why it’s called the Amazing Northampton Run? Well, I can’t tell you but lets just say why settle for great when you can be amazing? And amazing it is. This isn’t just a run — it’s a shoe-shaped grand tour of Northampton’s rich history, quirky landmarks, and hidden gems. So lace up, and let’s take a jog through time and town.

Start: Market Square – Where It All Began (and Burned)

We kick off in the historic Market Square, one of the largest in Europe. Picture this: it’s 1675, and the Great Fire of Northampton is tearing through 700 of the town’s 850 buildings. Who knew London didn’t have the monopoly on dramatic fires? You’ll pass All Saints Church, once twice as long before the fire, and head down Bridge Street, where history pours out of every brick.

Breweries, Hospitals & History

At the bottom of the hill, glance right at Phipps Brewery Bar - brewing since 1817 - and the Plough Hotel, also their handiwork. Then there’s The Church (yes, that’s its name), now a restaurant but originally a hospital from 1138. It even moonlighted as part of the railway station. Because, why not?

Carlsberg, Canals & Calm Waters

You’ll pass Carlsberg Brewery (cheers to 50+ years of lager), cross South Bridge (rebuilt in 1818), and wind your way through St Leonard’s Road, over the Grand Union Canal, and toward the peaceful Sixfields Reservoir.

Walter Tull, Saints & Speed

Climb to Sixfields, past the Walter Tull Memorial honouring the first Black British Army officer and footballer. Then it’s up the infamous steps to Weedon Road, down to Franklin’s Gardens (home of the Saints rugby team since 1880), and up again to Spencer Bridge Road.

Racecourse, Cinema & Cricket

Next stop: The Racecourse. Once a real racecourse (until a nasty accident in 1904) and a site for public hangings. You’ll pass the Picturedrome, a cinema built in someone’s back garden (a sort of precursor to the turn of phrase home cinema), and the County Cricket Ground, in action since 1886.

Parks, Plays & Shakespeare’s Granddaughter

Through Abington Park, gifted to the town in 1897, you’ll spot a Tudor manor (now Abington Park Museum) and a church where Shakespeare’s granddaughter is buried. Yes, really.

Rapids, Barges & Becket

Down Rushmere Road, past Old Scouts Rugby Club, over the river, and by the White Water Centre you’ll find the UK’s first artificially pumped course. Then into Barnes Meadow, where you’ll spot The Ark, Northampton’s first floating restaurant which opened in 2014.

From Becket to DNA

Run through Beckets Park, named after Thomas à Becket (who drank from a well here in 1164), and into the University of Northampton - once England’s third university (dissolved in 1265). Then past the Latimer and Crick building, linked to the discovery of DNA.

Shoes, Saints & Spring Lanes

You’ll pass St Anne’s Church, One Angel Square, and the Northampton Museum - home to 15,000 pairs of shoes - the largest collection of historical footwear in the world! Then it’s Royal & Derngate, Guildhall, and down Derngate, home to the only Charles Rennie Mackintosh house in England, 78 Derngate.

Final Stretch: From St Giles to the Finish Line

One last hill past St Giles Church, a memorial to a man who inspired voyages to the New World, and down Abington Street past the Carnegie Library and DNA statue, before crossing the finish line back at Market Square.

More Than a Run

In 2025, we’re aiming for 2,000 runners and with each bringing an average of five supporters, that’s a whole lot of community spirit. The event supports 30+ local charities, offers inclusive distances (3 miles, relay, and half marathon), and welcomes deaf and blind runners, with signers and guide runners included.

We’re even working toward an official wheelchair race so if you’re part of that community, we’d love to hear from you!

The Amazing Northampton Run isn’t just about running, it’s about celebrating our town, supporting local causes, and bringing people together. Whether you’re racing, cheering, volunteering, or just soaking up the atmosphere, we can’t wait to see you there.

Got questions or want to get involved? Let us know — we’re all ears (and trainers)