The pins on the map mark the locations of the parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues I still need to visit. The map below covers 5k events only, not junior parkruns or those not open to the pubic (prisons).
Blickling - Blickling Park, Blickling, Aylsham, Norfolk
Course: Almost 2 laps
Underfoot: Mostly paths and possibly some grass (tbc)
Profile: Undulating/Hilly
Notes: National Trust
Further reading: not yet visited
Brundall - Countryside Park, Postwick Lane, Brundall, Norfolk
Course: Almost four laps
Underfoot:
Profile: Undulating
Notes:
Further reading: not yet visited
Catton - Catton Park, Oak Lane, Catton, Norwich, Norfolk
Course: A full lap followed by a figure of eight
Underfoot:
Profile:
Notes:
Further reading: not yet visited
Colney Lane - University of East Anglia (UEA) Colney Lane Playing Fields, Norwich, Norfolk
Course: Small loop of playing field followed by two full laps
Underfoot: Mixed. Grass/paths tbc
Profile:
Notes:
Further reading: not yet visited
Dereham - Countryside Park, behind Dereham Town FC, Dereham, Norfolk
Course: 1 x anti-clockwise half lap and 1x anti-clockwise full lap
Notes: No dogs permitted - takes place within school grounds
Further reading: Not visited
Fitzmaurice Park - Fitzmaurice Park, Thorpe St. Andrew (Norwich), Norfolk
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Hard surface, grass and trail
Profile: tbc
Notes: no toilets in the park
Further reading: Not visited
Flegg High parkrun - Flegg High Ormiston Academy, Martham, Great Yarmouth
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Gravel, concrete and trail
Profile: tbc
Notes: No dogs permitted (takes place in school grounds)
Further reading: Not visited
Fritton Lake - Fritton Lake Country Park, Fritton, Norfolk (CLOSED)
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Mixed. Gravel, grass, woodland paths and tarmac
Profile:
Notes:
Further reading: Did not visit - now closed
Gorleston Cliffs - Gorleston Cliffs, Nr. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Course: Almost two laps out and back
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Mostly flat but with one climb to the upper level
Notes:
Further reading: not yet visited
Holkham - Holkham Hall, Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk
Course: One lap
Underfoot:
Profile: Undulating
Notes:
Further reading: not yet visited
Hunstanton Promenade - Hunstanton North Promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk
Course: Out and back
Underfoot: Hard surface
Profile: tbc
Notes:
Further reading: not visited
King's Lynn - The Walks, King's Lynn, Norfolk
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further reading: My King's Lynn parkrun blog post
Course: tbc (includes three laps plus some extra bits)
Underfoot: tbc
Profile: tbc
Notes: Narrow paths - no dogs permitted
Further reading: Not visited
Mulbarton - The Common, Mulbarton, Norfolk (CLOSED)
Course: 3.75 laps
Underfoot: Grass
Profile:
Notes: During the winter the event may take place on a five lap course in Orchard Park
Further reading: Did not visit - now closed
Notes: Dogs not permitted - takes place in school grounds
Further reading: Not visited
Norwich - Eaton Park, South Park Avenue, Norwich, Norfolk
Course: Three-and-a-half laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile:
Notes: No dogs permitted. Course measured by an approved UKA course measurer.
Further reading: not yet visited
Sandringham - Sandringham Royal Park, Sandringham, Norfolk
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Tarmac / Woodland trails
Profile:
Notes:
Further reading: not visited
Sheringham - Sheringham Park, Upper Sheringham, Norfolk
Course: One lap
Underfoot: Woodland paths
Profile: Undulating / Hilly
Notes: National Trust. During summer the course may be adjusted to avoid cattle.
Further reading: not yet visited
Swaffham - The Nicholas Hamond Academy Sports Fields, Swaffham, Norfolk
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Flat
Notes: No dogs permitted at this venue as it takes place on school playing fields
Further reading: not visited
Thetford - Abbey Meadows, Thetford, Norfolk
Course:
Underfoot:
Profile:
Notes: Single file width restrictions on course
Further reading: not yet visited
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
The ceremonial county of Hampshire consists of Hampshire County Council and the unitary authorities of Southampton and Portsmouth. I have also included the Isle of Wight on this page which is a unitary authority and a county.
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k events that are open to the public, not parkruns in prisons or junior parkruns.
Alice Holt - Alice Holt Forest, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, Surrey (the course is located entirely within Hampshire)
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Forest paths / stony paths / tree roots
Profile: undulating / hilly
Notes: Watch out for high speed deer and gruffalo. The official Forestry Commission address of the venue says that it is in Surrey, but the entire course is run within Hampshire.
Further reading: My Alice Holt parkrun blog entry
Andover - Charlton Playing Fields, Andover, Hampshire
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Mostly grass. Some tarmac and gravel.
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Basingstoke- The War Memorial Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass and tarmac
Profile: Undulating / Hilly (TBC)
Notes: Occasionally takes place at an alternative venue (Crabtree Plantation)
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Brockenhurst - Brockenhurst College TBC (event uses two different venues)
Course:
Underfoot:
Profile:
Notes: Venue changes to Wilverley Inclosure during the winter - One lap / gravel paths / undulating
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Eastleigh - Fleming Park Old Golf Course, Eastleigh, Hampshire
Course: 3 laps (one small, two large)(I think)
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Flat / Undulating
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Fareham - Cams Hall Estate, Cams Hill, Fareham, Hampshire
Course: Out and back
Underfoot: Easy access trail path
Profile: tbc
Notes: Narrow course - No dogs or buggies. No onsite parking.
Further Reading: Not Visited
Ganger Farm - Ganger Farm Sports Park, Romsey, Hampshire
Course: Two and a half laps
Underfoot: Grass and tarmac
Profile: tbc
Notes:
Further reading: not visited
Great Salterns - Great Salterns Recreation Ground, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Course: A tail and 3 laps
Underfoot: Grass and gravel
Profile: Fairly flat
Notes:
Further reading: not yet visited
Havant - Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire
Course: 1 tiny loop followed by two laps
Underfoot: Compacted gravel paths
Profile: Undulating
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Hogmoor Inclosure - Hogmoor Inclosure, Hogmoor Road, Whitehill, Bordon, Hampshire
Course: 2 anti-clockwise laps
Underfoot: Trail and sand
Profile: mild undulations, but mostly flat
Notes: Sand!
Further reading: My Hogmoor Inclosure blog post
Itchen Valley Country - Itchen Valley Country Park, West End, Southampton, Hampshire
Course: 1 lap
Underfoot: Bridle path / forest trail
Profile:
Notes:
Further reading: Not visited
Lee-on-the-Solent - Marine Parade East, Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire
Course: Double out and back
Underfoot: Tarmac, possibly with some shingle (tbc)
Profile: tbc (probably flat)
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Lymington Woodside - Woodside Gardens, Lymington, Hampshire
Course: 2 laps when dry or a 3 lap wet weather course
Underfoot: Tarmac, gravel and grass
Profile: tbc
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Medina IOW - Seaclose Park and Medina Sports Field, Newport, Isle of Wight
Course:
Underfoot:
Profile: tbc
Notes: Sometimes takes place at Appleby Park in Ryde
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Notes: Official page notes there are no facilities
Further reading: not visited
Netley Abbey - Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Hampshire
Course: 3 laps
Underfoot: Tarmac, compacted gravel and grass
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Portsmouth Lakeside - Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Course: A non-traditional take on the out and back style course
Underfoot: Tarmac and gravel
Profile: Flat (with a dive-under where the course goes under a road)
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Queen Elizabeth - Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean, Hampshire
Course: Two laps (one small and one large)
Underfoot: Gravel paths, grass, forest trails
Profile: Hilly
Notes:
Further Reading: My Queen Elizabeth parkrun blog post
Rushmoor - Queen's Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Tarmac, gravel, grass, dirt, canal towpath
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further Reading: My Rushmoor parkrun blog post
Southampton - Southampton Common, Southampton, Hampshire
Course: One large clockwise lap followed by one-and-a-bit smaller anti-clockwise laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Largely flat
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Southsea - Southsea Esplanade, Speaker's Corner, Southsea, Hampshire
Course: Out and back
Underfoot: Tarmac tbc
Profile: Flat tbc
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Whiteley - Whiteley Meadowside, Whiteley, Hampshire
Course: 3 laps
Underfoot: Mostly tarmac with a section on grass and trail
Profile: Mostly flat (slight rise at beginning/end of each lap)
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Winchester - North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester, Hampshire
Course: Two laps (I think)
Underfoot: Grass and tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further Reading: NOT YET VISITED
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k events only, not junior parkruns or those not open to the public.
Abingdon - Rye Meadow, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Course: Just under two laps (tbc)
Underfoot: (tbc) At least part on a farm track
Profile: tbc
Notes:
Further Reading: Not visited
Banbury - Spiceball Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire
Course: possible different summer / winter routes (tbc)
Underfoot: tbc
Profile: fairly flat
Notes: Course page says some tight corners, not suitable for buggies
Further Reading: Not visited
Bicester - Langford Village, Peregrine Way, Bicester, Oxfordshire
Course: 2 clockwise laps (winter course is 3 laps which avoid potentially muddy sections)
Underfoot: tbc
Profile: tbc
Notes:
Further Reading: Not visited
Didcot - Ladygrove Park, Bowmont Water, Avon Way, Didcot, Oxfordshire
Course: point-to-point which also contains loops around the park (tbc)
Underfoot: tbc
Profile: tbc
Notes:
Further Reading: Not visited
Harcourt Hill - Brookes Sport Botley, Harcourt Hill Campus, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Course: Two clockwise laps
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further Reading: Not visited
Henley-on-Thames - 40 Acre Path, Tilebarn Close, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Course: Two laps plus a start and finish tail
Underfoot: Trail
Profile: Undulating / Hilly
Notes: Very narrow sections and steep sections - No dogs and no buggies.
Further Reading: My Heney-on-Thames parkriun write-up from May 2024
Horspath - Horspath Sports Ground and Athletics Track, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass (tbc)
Profile:
Notes:
Further reading: Not visited
Oxford - Cutteslowe and Sunnymeade Park, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Course: Two and a bit laps (I think)
Underfoot: Mixed terrain - Grass, paths, tarmac
Profile:
Notes:
Further Reading: Not visited
Witney - West Witney Sports and Social Club, Burford Road, Witney, Oxfordshire
Course: 3 laps (1 small, 2 large)
Underfoot: tbc
Profile: undulating (tbc)
Notes:
Further reading: Not visited
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
The ceremonial county of Berkshire is made up of the six unitary authorities of Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham.
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k events only, not junior parkruns.
Bracknell - Great Hollands Recreation Ground, South Road, Wokingham, Berkshire.
Course: 2 clockwise laps
Underfoot: Mixed terrain (grass / dirt / wood-chipped forest paths, tarmac)
Profile: Flat with a couple of gentle slopes
Notes: Worth a visit for the forest section alone
Further reading: My Bracknell parkrun blog post
California Country parkrun - California Country Park, Wokingham, Berkshire.
Course: mixture of laps and an out-and-back (tbc)
Underfoot: Mixed. Dirt/mud, gravel
Profile: tbc
Notes:
Further reading: not visited
Dinton Pastures parkrun - Dinton Pastures Country Park, Wokingham, Berkshire.
Course: 2 anti-clockwise laps (not identical)
Underfoot: Gravel/stones and dirt
Profile: Flat
Notes: Beautiful views across the lakes
Further reading: My Dinton Pastures parkrun blog post
Maidenhead - Braywick Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
Course: 2 clockwise laps plus a start-finish tail
Underfoot: mostly hard surface - a little splashy/muddy in the winter
Profile: Flat, but with a very short, sharp incline which is run twice
Notes: run mostly in a nature reserve, features a section next to The Cut (river)
Further reading: My Maidenhead parkrun blog entry
Newbury - Greenham Common, Newbury, Berkshire.
Course: 1 single lap
Underfoot: Hardpack trail (gravel/stones) and tarmac
Profile: Mostly flat, some some very gentle inclines
Notes: Takes place on former site of RAF Greenham Common. Also has a Star Wars link.
Further reading: My Newbury parkrun blog post
Prospect - Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road, Reading. Berkshire
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Generally flat
Notes:
Further reading: Not visited
Reading - Thames Valley Park, Reading, Berkshire.
Course: Lollipop (start/finish tail and two loops of the sweet part)
Underfoot: Towpath and gravel footpath
Profile: Flat
Notes: The land sometimes suffers from flooding
Further reading: not yet visited
Upton Court - Upton Court Park, Slough, Berkshire.
Course: Two anti-clockwise laps (not identical)
Underfoot: Grass and tarmac
Profile: extremely gentle undulations
Notes:
Further reading: My Upton Court parkrun blog post
Woodley - Woodford Park, East Reading, Berkshire.
Course: 3 clockwise laps (lap one slightly different)
Underfoot: Grass and tarmac
Profile: Mostly flat, but has a short, sharp incline next to the lake
Notes: Earphones not permitted (or one earbud only) here due to safety reasons
Further reading: My Woodley parkrun blog entry
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k events only, not junior parkruns.
Aldenham - Aldenham Country Park, Elstree, Hertfordshire (London+)
Course: Two laps (not identical) around Aldenham Reservoir Underfoot: Dirt paths, tarmac, compacted stone Profile: Flat Notes: Further reading: My 2024 Aldenham parkrun write-up. There is also my original Aldenham parkrun blog post
Barclay - Barclay Park, Hoddlesdon, Hertfordshire
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Tarmac, Grass (and mud)
Profile: Undulating
Notes: Really enjoyable three-lapper
Further reading: My Barclay parkrun blog post
Cassiobury - Cassiobury Park, Watford, Hertfordshire (London+)
Course: Two and a half laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Flat, fast and a pleasant course (has a couple of tight turns)
Further reading: My Cassiobury parkrun blog post
Castle Park - Castle Park, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Course: Two laps plus a little tail
Underfoot: Grass and tarmac (muddy in winter)
Profile: Flat
Notes: Hatfield Forest parkrun (Essex) has relocated here
Further reading: My Castle Park parkrun blog post
Ellenbrook Fields- Ellenbrook Fields, Hatfield, Hertfordshire (CLOSED)
Course: Small loop followed by a large loop
Underfoot: Grass / tarmac / dirt(mud)
Profile: Flat
Notes: Takes place on the former site of Hatfield Aerodrome - lots of interesting history.
Further reading: My Ellenbrook Fields parkrun blog post
Gadebridge - Gadebridge Park, Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead
Course: A start tail then two anti-clockwise laps
Underfoot: Tarmac and grass
Profile: Undulating (some may say hilly)
Elevation gain: 54m
GPS data: Gadebridge parkrun
Notes: Nice park. Nice view from the high point.
Further reading: My Gadebridge parkrun blog post.
Jersey Farm - Jersey Farm Woodland Park, Sandridge, St Albans, Hertfordshire
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass and bridleway
Profile: Gently undulating
Notes: This venue replaces Heartwood Forest
Further reading: My Jersey Farm parkrun blog post.
Leavesden Country - Leavesden Country Park, Abbotts Langley, Hertfordshire (London+)
Course: Three laps (plus start/finish tail)
Underfoot: 50/50 mix of hard paths and grass/mud
Profile: Gently undulating
Notes: Just down the road from the Harry Potter Studio Tour
Letchworth - The Grange Recreation Ground, Letchworth, Hertfordshire
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass, gravel and trail
Profile: long gradual incline each lap
Notes: Enjoy the views of the fields of crops
Further reading: My Letchworth parkrun blog post
Panshanger - Panshanger Park, Thieves Lane Entrance, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Course: 1 lap (or point to point)
Underfoot: trail paths, grass, dirt (mud)
Profile: undulating with a short uphill finish
Notes: fun course in a beautiful country park, but that short uphill finish is tough!
Further reading: My Panshanger parkrun blog post
Rickmansworth - Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire (London+)
Course: 2 laps plus a start-finish tail
Underfoot: Tarmac and a slightly stony footpath
Profile: Flat
Notes: Watch out for vehicles near the start-finish / watch out for loose dogs
Further reading: My Rickmansworth parkrun blog post
South Oxhey - South Oxhey Playing Fields, Green Lane, Watford (London+)
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Grass (you can run about 150 metres each lap on tarmac if you choose)
Profile: Long steady incline / decline on each lap
Notes: You can chill out in a hammock post-run
Further reading: My South Oxhey parkrun blog post
St. Albans - Verulamium Park, St. Albans, Herfordshire
Course: Out - three laps of a lake, then back
Underfoot: Tarmac (grass at the start/finish)
Profile: flat with just the slightest of gradients during the out / back
Elevation gain: 11m
GPS data: St. Albans parkrun
Notes: Hang around and enjoy some of the Roman history
Further reading: My St. Albans parkrun blog post
Stevenage- Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Course: Almost two laps
Underfoot: Tarmac with a short section on a dirt path
Profile: Mildly undulating
Notes: Has a bit of everything - very good
Further reading: My Stevenage parkrun blog post
Tring - Tring Park, Tring, Hertfordshire (CLOSED)
Course: One lap
Underfoot: Grass, dirt (mud)
Profile: A hill, then flat-ish, then undulating
Elevation gain: 85m
GPS data: Tring parkrun
Notes: A brilliant venue. Free roaming cows. Now closed.
Further reading: My Tring parkrun blog entry
Westmill- Edge Outdoor Activities, Westmill Farm, Ware, Hertfordshire
Course: Almost two laps
Underfoot: Grass / dirt paths / small amount of gravel/tarmac
Profile: undulating
Notes: Great views across the lakes and out into the coutryside.
Further reading: My Westmill parkrun blog entry
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
The county of Essex is made up of Essex County Council and the unitary local authorities of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k events only, not junior parkruns.
Basildon - Northlands Park, Basildon, Essex Course: Almost 3 laps Underfoot: Tarmac, grass, gravelly / stony single track paths Profile: Mostly flat with some gently undulating sections Notes: Lovely park with picturesque lakes Further reading: My 2024 Basildon parkrun write-up. Also, my old 2014 Basildon parkrun blog entry. Billericay - Lake Meadows Park, Billericay, Essex Course: 4 anti-clockwise laps (or 5 lap alternative course) Underfoot: Tarmac and grass Profile: Gently undulating Notes: A beautifully landscaped town park with a lake Further reading: My 2024 Billericay parkrun write-up. Also my old Billericay parkrun blog post from 2017.
Brentwood - Weald Country Park, South Weald, Brentwood, Essex
Course: 1 figure of eight lap
Underfoot: grass / forest paths / dirt and mud
Profile: undulating / hilly all the way round
Notes: A tough course
Further reading: My Brentwood parkrun blog entry
Burnham on Crouch - Riverside Country Park, Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Multi terrain
Profile: Generally flat with a few small changes in elevation
Notes: Lots of dog walkers
Further reading: My Burnham-on-Crouch parkrun blog post
Chalkwell Beach - Chalkwell Beach, Chalkwell Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
Chelmsford Central - Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex
Course: 1 lap or an out-and-back depending on your point of view
Underfoot: about 4km tarmac and 1km grass
Profile: Almost completely flat. Just one short incline to tackle.
Notes: Takes runners into two different parks
Further reading: My Chelmsford Central blog entry.
Clacton Seafront - Clacton Seafront, Clacton on Sea, Essex
Course: 3 out and back laps (out along the upper prom, back along the lower)
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flatish, but has gradual incline along the 'out' section
Notes: watch out for vehicles on the lower prom
Further reading: My Clacton Seafront parkrun blog post
Colchester Castle - Castle Park, Colchester, Essex
Course: 3/4 lap, an out and back, then 1.5 laps.
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Mostly flat but as an incline that as to be climbed 2.5 times
Notes: Very nice. Still flat enough to run a fast time.
Further reading: My Colchester Castle blog post
Great Dunmow - Recreation Ground, Great Dunmow, Essex
Course: 1 large lap, then 1 small lap (large lap is figure of 8)
Underfoot: mostly grass / dirt paths. Some tarmac style paths.
Profile: flat
Notes: There is a single-file bridge with two-way runners
Further reading: My Great Dunmow parkrun blog post
Great Notley - Great Notley Country Park, Great Notley, Essex
Course: 2 laps (not completely identical)
Underfoot: Gravelly paths, grass and a tiny bit of sand.
Profile: Flat apart from the hill at 2.8km
Notes: #touchthebird
Further reading: My Great Notley parkrun blog post
Gunpowder - Gunpowder Park, Waltham Abbey, Essex (also appears in London+)
Hadleigh - Hadleigh Country Park, Hadleigh, Essex
Course: 1 lap (lollipop)
Underfoot: Gravelly trail paths and 250m of grass
Profile: Hilly
Notes: A challenging route with great views
Further reading: My Hadleigh parkrun blog post (updated in 2024)
Harlow - Harlow Town Park, School Lane, Harlow, Essex
Course: Two large laps and one smaller lap
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Undulating
Notes: Nice varied course with ups and downs and some twists and turns
Further reading: My 2024 Harlow parkrun write-up. Also my original 2015 Harlow parkrun blog post
Harwich - Cliff Park, Harwich, Essex
Course: 1.5 laps of small park followed by a long out and back along the seafront
Underfoot: Tarmac / concrete
Profile: Mostly flat but contains a slope between the park and prom
Notes: It was windy when I visited (headwind on way out)
Further reading: My Harwich parkrun blog post
Hatfield Forest - Hatfield Forest, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, Essex (CLOSED)
Course: One lap (technically a point-to-point)
Underfoot: tarmac, grass, mud, puddles
Profile: almost completely flat
Notes: No longer in operation - event relocated to Castle Park, Bishops Stortford
Further reading: My Hatfield Forest parkrun blog post
Highwoods - Highwoods Country Park, Chanterelle, Colchester, Essex
Course: One lap (summer and winter routes)
Underfoot: Forest trail, tarmac, stones, plus the summer course has grass
Profile: Hilly
Notes: Look out for the googly eyed tree
Further reading: My Highwoods parkrun blog post
Hockley Woods - Hockley Woods, Main Road, Hockley, Essex
Course: Just under two laps
Underfoot: Woodland trails (dirt / mud)
Profile: Undulating throughout with a steeper incline at the end of the lap
Notes: A great run in the woods. This is a 'net uphill' course.
Further reading: My Hockley Woods parkrun blog post. Also, my second visit blog post.
Maldon Prom - Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Tarmac and grass
Profile: Flat with a steep bump that you negotiate three times
Notes:
Further reading: My Maldon Prom blog post
Markshall Estate - Markshall Estate, Marks Hall Road, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex
Mersea Island - Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Essex
Course: Two full laps plus 1 shorter lap
Underfoot: grass / dirt
Profile: Largely flat with some extremely gentle changes in elevation (flat)
Notes: Lots of WW2 historic links / they have a PB horn.
Further Reading: My Mersea Island parkrun blog post
Roding Valley - Roding Valley Recreation Ground, Loughton, Essex (also appears in London+)
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Fairly even split between grass and tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Fast and flat - Lovely, friendly team. Park popular with dog walkers.
Further reading: My Roding Valley parkrun blog post.
Southend - Gunners Park, Shoeburyness, Essex
Course: Three laps plus a finish tail
Underfoot: Tarmac and a tiny section on gravel and dirt
Profile: Flat
Notes: Sometimes suffers from wind coming off the sea
Further reading: My 2024 Southend parkrun write-up. Also my original 2014 Southend parkrun blog post
South Woodham Ferrers - Marsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex
Course: One single lap with an out-and-back section included
Underfoot: Mixed terrain
Profile: Flat
Notes: Beautiful country park adjacent to the River Crouch
Further reading: My South Woodham Ferrers parkrun blog post
Thurrock - Orsett Heath (Chadwell Recreation Ground), Chadwell St. Mary, Essex
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Flat
Notes: The venue is a little rough around the edges, but overall it's a great event
Further reading: My 2025 Thurrock parkrun write-up. There's also my original 2016 Thurrock parkrun blog entry.
Wickford Memorial - Wickford Memorial Park, Rettendon View, Wickford, Essex
Course: Two-and-a-bit laps
Underfoot: Mostly tarmac paths, some grass, some non-tarmac paths
Profile: Flat
Notes: Really nice park, great playground, nice breakfast
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
This page covers the combined ceremonial counties of West Sussex and East Sussex (including the city of Brighton and Hove).
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k events only, not junior parkruns.
Bognor Regis - Hotham Park, Upper Bognor Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Course: Four laps (1 small / 3 large)
Underfoot: Tarmac paths
Profile: Flat
Notes: Very twisty course, narrow paths. Lots of lapping.
Further reading: My Bognor Regis parkrun blog entry
Bevendean Down parkrun - Bevendean Down, Bevendean, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass / dirt paths
Profile: undulating / hilly
Notes: Great views. Great atmosphere. Gives Brighton an off-road option.
Further reading: My Bevendean Down parkrun blog post
Brighton and Hove - Hove Park, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex
Course: 1 small lap and 2 longer laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Slightly undulating
Notes:
Further reading: My Brighton and Hove parkrun blog entry
Chichester - Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Mostly grass with some tarmac
Profile: very gentle incline on the first half of each lap
Notes: Features lots of weaving around rugby pitches
Further reading: My Chichester parkrun blog post
Clair - Clair Park, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Course: Four-and-a-half laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Hilly
Notes: Fairly narrow paths / you will lap people or be lapped
Further reading: My Clair parkrun blog entry
Eastbourne - Shinewater Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Course: Almost a single lap but not quite
Underfoot: Grass / Tarmac
Profile: Pretty flat
Notes: I was pleasantly surprised
Further reading: My Eastbourne parkrun blog entry
East Brighton - East Brighton Park, Brighton, East Sussex
Course: Three clockwise laps
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Mostly flat-ish, slight change in elevation during each lap
Notes: Takes place on the air ambulance landing site, so can cancel mid event
Further reading: My East Brighton parkrun blog entry
East Grinstead - East Court, East Grinstead, West Sussex
Course: 3 laps (1 small, 2 large)
Underfoot: Mostly grass and dirt paths. One short brick-paved path.
Profile: Undulating/hilly
Notes: A cross-country course - will be a mud bath in the winter
Further reading: My East Grinstead parkrun blog post
Hastings - Seaside Road, Hastings, East Sussex
Course: Out and Back
Underfoot: Tarmac / concrete
Profile: Flat
Elevation gain: 43m (although I'm not convinced that this is accurate)
GPS data: Hastings parkrun
Notes: Watch out for cyclists and be prepared for some wind.
Further reading: My Hastings parkrun blog entry
Horsham - Horsham Park, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex
Course: Three laps around outside of the park
Underfoot: mostly tarmac, some grass/mud
Profile: very gentle undulations
Notes: Dragons and hailstones
Further reading: My Horsham parkrun blog entry
Hove Promenade - Hove Lawns, Kingsway, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex
Course: Two laps (or a double out and back)
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Nice wide promenade. Can suffer from wind and longshore drift.
Further reading: My Hove Promenade parkrun blog post
Ifield Mill Pond - Ifield Mill Pond, Waterfield Gardens, Bewbush, Crawley, West Sussex
Course: Two and a bit laps (out-and-back and a loop)
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Dogs and buggies not permitted due to narrow paths
Further reading: My Ifield Mill Pond parkrun blog post
Lancing Beach Green - 28 Brighton Road, Lancing, West Sussex
Course: 2 different out and back sections
Underfoot: Grass / Concrete
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further reading: My Lancing Beach Green parkrun blog post
Peacehaven - Centenary Park, Piddinghow Avenue, Peacehaven, East Sussex
Course: Three laps (first one slightly longer than the second and third)
Underfoot: Pea shingle path / grass
Profile: Gently undulating
Notes: Great views of the rolling hills of the south downs
Further reading: My Peacehaven parkrun blog post
Preston Park - Preston Park, Brighton, East Sussex
Course: An L followed by two P's
Underfoot: tarmac
Profile: flat but with a short incline
Notes:
Further reading: My Preston Park parkrun blog entry
Seaford Beach - Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club, Seaford, East Sussex
Course: Out and back
Underfoot: Concrete/tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further reading: My Seaford Beach parkrun blog post
Tilgate - Tilgate Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Course: A lap of the lake, a lap of the park, then another lap of the lake
Underfoot: Tarmac/gravelly paths
Profile: Undulating / Hilly
Notes:
Further reading: My Tilgate parkrun blog entry when I ran on the winter course.
Uckfield - Uckfield Rugby Club, Uckfield, East Sussex
Course: Out and back with a loop at the end
Underfoot: Off-road - Grass, dirt (mud)
Profile: Mostly mildly undulating with a bigger up and down during the loop
Notes: Absolutely beautiful
Further reading: My Uckfield parkrun blog post
Wakehurst - Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Course: Two clockwise laps
Underfoot: Resin and tarmac paths
Profile: Undulating / hilly
Notes: No dogs allowed. Owned by National Trust, but run by Kew Gardens.
Worthing - Worthing Promenade, Brighton Road, Worthing, West Sussex
Course: Out-and-back
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: As flat as a pancake
Notes: Can suffer from the wind (seafront run)
Further reading: My Worthing parkrun blog post
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k events only, not junior parkruns.
Alice Holt - Alice Holt Forest, Farningham, Surrey. (falls within Hampshire)
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Forest paths / stony paths / tree roots
Profile: undulating / hilly
Notes: Watch out for high speed deer and gruffalo. The official address of the venue says that it is in Surrey, but to me it looks like it is in Hampshire. I've left it on this list for now.
Further reading: My Alice Holt parkrun blog entry
Brooklands - Brooklands Community Park, Brooklands, Surrey (London+)
Course: Two and a bit laps
Underfoot: Hard paths and trail paths
Profile: flat
Notes: Takes place in the grounds of the world's first purpose built motor racing track
Further reading: My Brooklands parkrun blog post
Cranleigh - Bruce McKenzie Memorial Field, Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Offroad (grass / trail)
Profile: Flat/ mildly undulating with a hill
Elevation gain: 63m
GPS data: Cranleigh parkrun
Notes: Great views across the Surrey Hills
Further reading: My Cranleigh parkrun blog post
Course:3 anti-clockwise laps, under M25, 3 clockwise laps, return under M25, 1 3/4 anti-clockwise laps
Underfoot: Mostly grass TBC
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further reading: Not yet visited Frimley Lodge - Frimley Lodge Park, Surrey.
Course: 2 laps
Underfoot: Grass / Dirt / Tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: I loved the section along the canal and subsequent twisty forest part. Not so keen about running through the dog exercise area.
Further reading: My Frimley Lodge parkrun blog post
Guildford - Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey.
Course: Two clockwise laps
Underfoot: Grass (2km) / Tarmac (3km)
Profile: Gently undulating
Elevation gain: 23m
GPS data: Guildford parkrun
Notes: Mostly open playing fields. Worth visiting the Wild Wood Adventure afterwards.
Further reading: My Guildford parkrun blog post.
Hazelwood - Hazelwood Centre (London-Irish Rugby Club), Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey (London+)
Course: A short lap followed by the full laps of the grounds
Underfoot: Grass (short section on stones)
Profile: Flat
Notes: No dogs permitted at this venue
Further reading: My Hazelwood parkrun blog post
Homewood - Ottershaw Memorial Fields, Ottershaw, Surrey (CHANGE OF ORIGINAL VENUE)
Course: A tail, three laps of the woods, and back along the tail
Underfoot: grass and forest paths (lots of tree roots)
Profile: undulating/hilly
Notes: This event changed venue in January 2017 from Homewood Park to Ottershaw Memorial Fields. Watch out for the tree roots in the woods.
Further reading: My Homewood parkrun (Ottershaw Memorial Fields) blog post. Here is my Homewood parkrun (Homewood Park) blog post from my visit to the original venue.
Mole Valley - Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey
Course: 1 lap
Underfoot: Off-road course, dirt / grass / gravelly farm tracks
Profile: Hilly
Notes: Official page says the course is not suitable for buggies. May also be referred to as Denbies.
Further reading: My Mole Valley parkrun blog post
Nonsuch - Nonsuch Park, Cheam, South West London / Surrey. (London+)
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass and paths
Profile: Flat
Notes: A quick course when it's dry. The park straddles the London/Surrey border and is managed by the London borough of Sutton. However the entire parkrun actually takes place within Surrey.
Reigate Priory - Priory Park, Reigate, Surrey.
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass, dirt paths and a small section of man-made path
Profile: undulating (rollercoaster trail section)
Notes: Lovely park. Good course - will be fun in wet/muddy conditions.
Further reading: My Reigate Priory parkrun blog post)
Riddlesdown - Riddlesdown, South London / Surrey. (London+)
Course: 2 laps plus a finish tail (NEW COURSE)
Underfoot: Grass, stony trail, path
Profile: Flat with one short sharp incline
Notes: A bit cross country. Gets muddy and wet in the winter but very unlikely to be cancelled. My former parkrun home. Also the only parkrun to start inside London but finish outside London (Surrey).
Woking - Woking Park, Kingfield Road, Woking, Surrey
Course: Three-and-a-bit laps
Underfoot: tarmac and trail
Profile: Flat
Notes: you'll probably lap someone or be lapped
Further reading: My Woking parkrun blog post
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
Greater London is made up of the 32 London boroughs plus the City of London which is a city and a county in its own right.
There is quite a bit of controversy over what constitutes a London parkrun. Some people say it should be venues that fall within one of the London boroughs while others prefer to use the boundary of the M25 as a guide. Others may have their own different take on it (for example pre-1965 boundaries).
For this page I refer to any venues within the Greater London area as true London venues, while any venues that lie outside Greater London but still within the M25 are labelled as London+.
Whether individual participants wish to define the state of being 'Londone' as being within Greater London, within the M25 or something else is really a personal choice. If in doubt you could always use parkrun's list of Greater London venues.
The pins on the map mark the locations of parkruns within the county. The green pins show the venues I have officially visited while the red pins are venues that I still need to visit. The list below covers 5k parkrun events which are open to the public. Prison events and the 2k junior parkruns are excluded.
Aldenham - Aldenham Country Park, Elstree, Hertfordshire (London+)
Course: Two laps (not identical) around Aldenham Reservoir
Underfoot: Dirt paths, tarmac, compacted stone
Profile: Flat
Notes:
Further reading: My 2024 Aldenham parkrun write-up. There is also my original Aldenham parkrun blog post
Beckenham Place - Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham, South East London
Course: One Lap (point-to-point)
Underfoot: Tarmac, gravel, woodland paths, dirt paths, grass
Profile: undulating (but fairly flat from 2k onwards)
Notes: Nice park. Has links to David Bowie.
Further reading: My Beckenham Place parkrun write-up from 2023. Also, my original Beckenham Place parkrun blog post
Beckton - Beckton District Park South, Beckton, East London.
Course: Two laps with an out-and-back in the middle of each lap
Underfoot: Tarmac and grass
Profile: Flat
Notes: If you're lucky you might see some planes taking off or landing at London City Airport
Bedfont Lakes - Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Hounslow, West London.
Course: Two laps (course has changed since my visit)
Underfoot: Dusty paths
Profile: Slightly undulating first half or the lap with the remainder being flat
Notes: A really nice venue. There is a 'dogs on leads at all times' policy.
Further reading: My Bedfont Lakes blog post (course changed since my visit)
Bethlem Royal Hospital - Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, South East London
Course: Two anti-clockwise laps plus a finish tail
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Flat
Notes: Private hospital grounds - be mindful of patients. No dogs allowed. Photography policy in place.
Further reading: My Bethlem Royal Hospital parkrun blog post.
Brooklands - Brooklands Community Park, Brooklands, Surrey (London+)
Course: Two and a bit laps
Underfoot: Hard paths and trail paths
Profile: flat
Notes: Takes place at the world's first purpose-built motor racing track
Further reading: My Brooklands parkrun blog post
Burgess - Burgess Park, Camberwell, South East London.
Course: Out and back with a lap of the lake at the far end
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flat with the exception of a slight gradient change at the eastern end just past the lake
Canons Park - Canons Park, Edgware, North London
Course: Three anti-clockwise laps (plus a little start/finish tail)
Underfoot: Tarmac / gravel / grass
Profile: very mild undulation
Notes: Nice, small park packed with tonnes of history
Further reading: My Canons Park parkrun blog post from 2016, Updated in 2024.
Cassiobury - Cassiobury Park, Watford, Hertfordshire (London+)
Course: Two and a half laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Flat, fast and a very pleasant course (has a couple of tight turns)
Further reading: My Cassiobury parkrun blog post
Catford - Mountsfield Park, Catford, South East London
Course: Two full laps plus a partial lap
Underfoot: Tarmac, grass, compact dirt / stones
Profile: Gently undulating
Notes: Picturesque park with great views
Further Reading: My Catford parkrun blog post
Charlton - Charlton Park, Charlton, South East London
Clapham Common - Clapham Common, Clapham, South London
Course: Two clockwise laps
Underfoot: dirt paths / grass / tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Official page says unsuitable for buggies
Further reading: My Clapham Common parkrun blog post
Dartford - Central Park, Dartford, Kent (London+)
Course: 1 small lap followed by two large laps (new course as of July 2016)
Underfoot: Tarmac and grass / dirt
Profile: Mostly flat but with a slight incline during the dirt trail section
GPS data: Dartford parkrun (new standard course)
Notes: I am a member of the core volunteer team
Further reading: My full Dartford parkrun write-up from 2022.
Video: Dartford parkrun (freedom run) (the original course - not the current course, but quite similar)
Dartford Heath - Dartford Heath, Heath Lane, Dartford, Kent (London+)
Course: Almost two laps
Underfoot: stony paths, grass, concrete
Profile: flat
Notes:
Further reading: My Dartford Heath parkrun blog post
Foots Cray Meadows - Foots Cray Meadows, Foots Cray, South East London
Course: Out, large loop, small loop, back
Underfoot: Mostly grass, some gravel, some tarmac
Profile: overall fairly flat, slight rise in elevation at south/west end
Notes: Look out for the Five Arches Bridge
Further reading: My Foots Cray Meadows parkrun blog post
Hanworth- Hanworth Air Park, Feltham, West London
Course: Two and a bit laps
Underfoot: Grass and gravelly path, plus a little bit of tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Former grounds of Hanworth Park House and London Air Park
Further reading: My Hanworth parkrun blog post
Harrow- Harrow Recreation Ground, Pinner Road, Harrow, North West London
Course: 3 laps (first lap with additional small loop)
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Gentle rise on each lap
Notes: Nice and friendly with a heated pavilion to use as a base
Further reading: My 2023 Harrow parkrun write-up. Also, my original 2015 Harrow parkrun blog post.
Harrow Lodge - Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, East London.
Course: One 5k lap
Underfoot: Mostly grass but some tarmac
Profile: Flat with some ever-so-gentle undulations which feel much harder in bad conditions
Notes: A good course, a bit of a cross-country feel in places.
Hazelwood - Hazelwood Centre (London-Irish Rugby Club), Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey (London+)
Course: A short lap followed by the full laps of the grounds
Underfoot: Grass (short section on stones)
Profile: Flat
Notes: No dogs permitted at this venue
Further reading: My Hazelwood parkrun blog post
Hoblingwell - Hoblingwell Wood Recreation Ground, St. Paul's Cray, Orpington, South East London
Course: 2 laps plus some extra loops
Underfoot: Mostly grass, some tarmac and a short dirt path
Profile: Gently undulating
Notes: The course looks complicated but once you've run it once it all makes sense
Further reading: My Hoblingwell parkrun blog post
Ingrebourne Hill - Ingrebourne Hill Country Park, Rainham, East London
Course: 3 laps (1st lap is different to 2 and 3)
Underfoot: Gravel
Profile: Lap 1 up and down the hill, laps 2 and 3 are mostly flat
Nonsuch - Nonsuch Park, Cheam, South West London / Surrey. (London+)
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Grass and paths
Profile: Flat
Notes: A quick course when it's dry. The park straddles the London/Surrey border and is managed by the London borough of Sutton. However the entire parkrun actually takes place within Surrey.
Northala Fields - Northala Fields Park, Ealing, West London.
Course: pretty much one big 5k loop (or maybe a lollipop)
Underfoot: mostly tarmac, but some of the paths are a little stony
Profile: flat with the gentlest of inclines just after the 4km point
Notes: The four mounds contain a huge part of England's footballing history
Further reading: My Northala Fields parkrun blog entry
Oak Hill - Oak Hill Park, East Barnet, North London.
Course: Almost two laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Mostly flat with a slight rise and fall each lap
Notes: I ran on the first warm morning of the year and it felt harder than it probably is
Peckham Rye - Peckham Rye, Southwark, South East London.
Course: 3 laps and a tail
Underfoot: tarmac
Profile: flat
Notes: Put all of your preconceptions about Peckham to one side and enjoy this wonderful park.
Further Reading: My full 2024 Peckham Rye parkrun write-up. My older Peckham Rye parkrun blog post from event 1.
Raphael - Raphael Park, Beauly Way, Rise Park, Romford, East London.
Course: Two large laps and one small lap
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Mostly flat - a couple of small gradient changes
Notes: It is pronounced 'Rayfel'. Don't fall into the lake!
Further reading: My Raphael parkrun blog post (updated March 2023)
Richmond - Richmond Park, Richmond, South West London.
Rickmansworth - Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire (London+)
Course: 2 laps plus a start-finish tail
Underfoot: Tarmac and a slightly stony footpath
Profile: Flat
Notes: Watch out for vehicles near the start-finish / watch out for loose dogs
Further reading: My Rickmansworth parkrun blog post
Riddlesdown - Riddlesdown, South London / Surrey. (London+)
Course: 2 laps plus a finish tail (NEW COURSE)
Underfoot: Grass, stony trail, path
Profile: Flat with one short sharp incline
Notes: A bit cross country. Gets muddy and wet in the winter but very unlikely to be cancelled. My former parkrun home. Also the only parkrun to start inside London but finish outside London (Surrey).
Roding Valley - Roding Valley Recreation Ground, Loughton, Essex (also appears in London+)
Course: Two laps
Underfoot: Fairly even split between grass and tarmac
Profile: Flat
Notes: Fast and flat - Lovely, friendly team. Park popular with dog walkers.
Further reading: My Roding Valley parkrun blog post.
South Norwood - South Norwood Country Park, South Norwood, South East London.
Course: Just over two laps
Underfoot: Gravelly, stony paths (90%) and some grass/dirt/mud (10%)
Profile: generally flat with a short incline
Notes: A fairly hidden country park
Further reading: My 2024 South Norwood parkrun write-up. Also my original 2017 South Norwood parkrun blog post.
South Oxhey - South Oxhey Playing Fields, Green Lane, Watford (London+)
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Grass (you can run about 150 metres each lap on tarmac if you choose)
Profile: Long steady incline / decline on each lap
Notes: You can chill out in a hammock post-run
Further reading: My South Oxhey parkrun blog post
Southwark - Southwark Park, Bermondsey, South East London.
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Flat with one swooping down-then-up dip in the path towards the end of each lap
Sunny Hill - Sunny Hill Park, Hendon, North London
Course: One small lap, and then two full laps
Underfoot: Tarmac
Profile: Hilly. Undulates all around.
Notes: Nice views from the highest points
Further reading: My Sunny Hill parkrun blog post
Sutcliffe - Sutcliffe Park Nature Reserve, Eltham, South East London
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Tarmac and gravel (not loose)
Profile: Flat
Notes: Nature reserve and restored river on the site of former football fields
Tooting Common parkrun - Tooting Common, Tooting, South London
Course: Three laps plus a start-finish tail
Underfoot: Mostly tarmac but also some compact earth
Profile: Flat as a pancake
Notes: Paths not suitable for 'large' buggies (double buggies)
Further reading: My Tooting Common parkrun blog post.
Valentines - Valentines Park, Ilford, East London.
Victoria Dock - Royal Victoria Dock, Siemens Brothers Way, Docklands, East London
Course: Horseshoe shaped course around the perimeter of Royal Victoria Dock
Underfoot: Tarmac / brick / some cobblestones
Profile: Flat
Notes: local car parks very expensive (c. £10 per hour).
Further reading: My Victoria Dock parkrun blog post
Walthamstow - Peter May Sports Ground, Walthamstow, East London.
Course: Three laps
Underfoot: Grass
Profile: Flat with an ever-so-gentle rise
Notes: No dogs allowed within the venue as it is a private sports ground.
Please note: Information contained within the blog posts, such as the course configuration, parking arrangements, availability of toilets etc, may change. Please always check with the relevant events' web page and social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.
If you find the write-ups useful and wish to support the blog, please consider doing so via the button below. Thank you.
