About the Gallop
Our Race is named after the famous Goose Fair. This is believed to have started back in the 13th century as a trade event renewed for high quality cheeses but the name is derived as thousands of geese were driven from Lincolnshire to be sold in Nottingham. Originally the fair was held in the Market Square but moved to the Recreation Ground in 1927 as the Market Square was redeveloped.
Kimberly & District Striders first ran the event to coincide with the last day of the Goose Fair and have retained the tradition ever since. Goodie bags have tried to reference the fair in some way with previous gifts being toffee apples, pork pies and (a long while back) a donation of goose eggs!
The first race Goose Fair Gallop (GFG) took place in 1986 and was run from Kimberley Leisure Centre. It stayed at this route until 2015 when due to its popularity we made the difficult decision to move out to Underwood. The new route was run on private land taking in some stunning scenery. It was undulating, but the views were well worth it.
After a break in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race returned in 2021 in a new location in the shadow of the restored Bennerley Viaduct, the "Iron Giant". The route takes you along the towpath of the scenic Nottingham Canal, and along surrounding countryside paths. It's fairly flat and is very suitable for anyone wanting to tackle the 10k (6.2 mile) distance for the first time.
While we can never guarantee good weather, you can be certain every last runner will be encouraged and supported by members of Kimberley & District Striders who marshal around the course every year.
The viaduct has since become our established base, offering a unique opportunity to run atop this historic engineering triumph. The site is being continually developed, with access to the viaduct now possible on foot or bike from both ends. A brand new visitor's centre and car park is in the process of being constructed.
Kimberly & District Striders first ran the event to coincide with the last day of the Goose Fair and have retained the tradition ever since. Goodie bags have tried to reference the fair in some way with previous gifts being toffee apples, pork pies and (a long while back) a donation of goose eggs!
The first race Goose Fair Gallop (GFG) took place in 1986 and was run from Kimberley Leisure Centre. It stayed at this route until 2015 when due to its popularity we made the difficult decision to move out to Underwood. The new route was run on private land taking in some stunning scenery. It was undulating, but the views were well worth it.
After a break in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race returned in 2021 in a new location in the shadow of the restored Bennerley Viaduct, the "Iron Giant". The route takes you along the towpath of the scenic Nottingham Canal, and along surrounding countryside paths. It's fairly flat and is very suitable for anyone wanting to tackle the 10k (6.2 mile) distance for the first time.
While we can never guarantee good weather, you can be certain every last runner will be encouraged and supported by members of Kimberley & District Striders who marshal around the course every year.
The viaduct has since become our established base, offering a unique opportunity to run atop this historic engineering triumph. The site is being continually developed, with access to the viaduct now possible on foot or bike from both ends. A brand new visitor's centre and car park is in the process of being constructed.
The next GFG will take place on 12 October 2025.
For the latest information please see the Goose Fair Gallop Facebook page.
For the latest information please see the Goose Fair Gallop Facebook page.
