Predictathon

The Predictathon is a fun competition where everyone has an equal chance of winning a trophy. The idea is that you predict the time it will take you to run the course, and whoever is closest to their predicted time... WINS!

It doesn't matter how fast or slow the run is - only how close you are to the time you said. You can run it at a flat-out pace, or a gentle trundle. The only catch is, you have to run without your watch. (As we all know that a run doesn't happen unless it's on Strava, you are allowed to carry the watch with you, but as long as you can't see it.)

The idea of the Predictathon is to test your pacing. Being able to run to a certain pace is useful when training or racing - it's an important running skill. One of the reasons this event is so popular is because it's an almost level playing field when it comes to winning. It doesn't matter how fast you are, it just matters that you can run to the pace you set.

How It Works

Before the day, you will be able to run the course as many times as you like to familiarise yourself with the route and get a feel for how long it will take. You can then make a prediction as to how long it will take you. On the day, everyone will set off together, run the course and finish with a finish token. You must take the token to the Run Director, who will note your position next to your time. (A bit like parkrun.) Once everyone is in, the winner is calculated and announced.

There is a trophy for the winner, and drinks and snacks are usually at the finish.

2025 Series

The 2025 Predictathon series is scheduled for the 3 dates:

Thursday 15 May 2025 - Enter here
Tuesday 15 July 2025
Tuesday 12 August 2025

The overall series winner will be the person with the closest aggregate predictions over their best 2 events.

Course

The current course is approximately 3.4 miles (5.5km) - so slightly over a usual 5km or parkrun.

It starts at the corner of the clubhouse (by the patio) and goes towards Hall Lane across the grass, with the trees and car park on your left. As you get to the pavement, there is a gap in the wall which you can run through and turn left on to Hall Lane. Continue on Hall Lane, past Upminster station and to the bottom of the hill. At the traffic lights, turn left on to St Mary's Lane. Stay on this road until you meet a railway bridge and a mini-roundabout. Turn left on to Front Lane. Continue along here, over the railway until the junction with Avon Road. Turn left on to Avon Road and continue up the road until you meet again with Hall Lane. Go along Hall Lane until you arrive at the gap in the wall you exited from earlier. Turn left into the playing fields and run straight back to clubhouse, where you finish.

FAQ

Why do we run the course in this direction? Running it clockwise is easier!
Road safety is the main reason. You will find races tend to be anti-clockwise where they cross roads with traffic. The reason for this is that when you are running across a road in the UK, there is more space if you are coming from the right side of a junction than the left side.
Why is it not a 5km course?
Local geography, really. The current course is straightforward and starts and finishes close to the clubhouse. The simplicity of the course, combined with it being well-lit, spacious main roads is worth it. (This is also one of the reasons we don't currently run it via Holden Way.)
Do I have to run 'naked'?
One of the aims of the race is to make runners aware of their pace without relying on the watch. This is a useful running skill. You can run with your running watch during the Predictathon, but only if it is in a pocket or round your ankle, or somewhere else you can't see it.
Why is it only on in the summer months?
Daylight. To ensure everyone can run it and be back while the light is still good, we can only run it between late April and early August. Also, we try to organise it to avoid clashing with other races, fixtures and events. Also the weather tends to be better.
Do you need any volunteers?
Yes, we usually need 5 or 6 people. Please get in touch with Chris Thomas or a committee member if you want to help out.