5 min read
Image: parkrun UK
Don’t know what parkrun is yet? Taking the world quite literally by storm, parkrun is a series of 5k runs held across the UK in areas of beautiful open spaces. With their increasing popularity, we’ve created a list of some of our favourite parkruns around the region.
Parkrun is open to all, free, safe and easy to take part in. And if the kids want to join in too, junior parkrun events are open to 4-14 year olds too.
Where
Pennington Flash, Leigh, Wigan
Why
parkrun here will be over in a flash, as you’ll be so distracted by the beautiful surroundings, you won’t even realise you’re running. Set on gravel paths, this is a good parkrun for beginners. Starting the first 400m along a bridleway to a 3 lap clockwise loop and finishing along the same bridleway, this is a good course for those looking to achieve a steady and strong pace.
Where
Longford Park, Stretford, Manchester
Why
Close to the city centre and therefore benefitting from its excellent transport links, Longford Park is an accessible parkrun for all. Taking in the adventure playground, pet corner and even running on the Trafford Athletics Club’s track, there’s plenty of variation to this 5k.
Where
Heaton Park, Manchester
Why
Well known for its hills, Heaton Park parkrun will certainly get your heart racing. Set in the vast park grounds, this 5k will have you weaving through the trees, up and down hills and racing past the historic 18th Century Heaton Hall.
Image: parkrun UK
Where
Bramhall Park, Stockport
Why
Duck Poo Corner, Canada Geese and an archery field – don’t tell us there aren’t some sights to see on this parkrun. Based on both tarmac and off-road, this is a challenging and rewarding race to run. You’ll cross bridges, loop along stony paths, and scurry through beautiful wooded areas.
Where
Worsley Woods, Parrin Lane, Salford
Why
Another good run for pace and speed enthusiasts, parkrun at Worsley is a straightforward loop line starting and ending in Monton. After a flat mile running from Monton to Worsley Woods, you’ll get a just under a miles worth of stunning woodland scenery before heading on a final fast mile and a half back to the finish. A simple, quick and effective 5k.
Where
Woodbank Park, Stockport
Why
Encompassing both Woodbank and Vernon Park, this two-park parkrun includes a fun and fast descent, followed by a tough and rewarding incline. A varied route, this 5k isn’t as straight forward as some of the others, but is diverse and energising.
Where
South Manchester parkrun, Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield
Why
Based just outside of Manchester city centre, this is another easily accessible one for locals and visitors alike. Taking in the sights of the popular Platt Fields Park, this 5k passes the lake and the boathouse as well as taking runners through fields, past the BMX track, and along tree lined paths.
Image: parkrun UK
Where
Chadderton Hall Park, Chadderton Hall Road, Chadderton
Why
We hope you like hills with this one! Taking in the sights of the ornamental gardens, the Chadderton parkrun certainly gets the blood pumping with four hill ascents in total. You’ll certainly need to join the post parkrun coffee in the Pavilion Café afterwards – this 5k deserves a reward at the end.
Where
Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham
Why
This three lap course starts on the big straight at the ‘Lion’s Den’, heading straight for the highest part of the park before descending down and giving you an easy run to begin with. Taking in the sights of the waterfall, lakes and woodland walk, this parkrun is a nature lovers dream.
Where
Sale Water Park, off Rifle Road, Sale
Why
An out and back course along the banks of the River Mersey and the shore of Sale Water Park, this 5k is a good parkrun for pacing and speed. With a Metrolink stop just 400m away, this is an easily accessible run, and there’s even a chance you’ll catch some water sports in action, with Trafford Water Sports Centre situated here too.
Image: parkrun UK
Where
Leverhulme Park, Bolton
Why
A mixture of running track, tarmac and firm, level trail paths, the Bolton parkrun is another good run for pacing and speed. Taking in the sights of the park, this run offers a mixture of uphill and downhill sections to allow runners to test their speed and agility.
Where
Bruntwood Park, Bruntwood Lane, Cheadle, Stockport
Why
Run entirely on grass, trail shoes are recommended for this fun and muddy run. A three-lap course, this 5k will be a test of stability and speed. The Vinery Café within the park serves hot and cold refreshments post-run, and will let you eat in no matter how muddy you are, or take away whilst you explore the pitch and put course, archery ranges or duck ponds.
Where
Hyde Park, Park Road, Tameside
Why
Starting at the bandstand in the centre of the park, this three-lap course is a varied route taking you past orchards, woodland areas, streams and bridges. A mixture of tarmac and trail paths, this is a steady 5k, suitable for runners of all abilities and ages.
