10 London running locations
I was so sad when the Eastway, aka Lee Valley Cycling Circuit closed down to make way for the Olympic Park. It was an undulating, hilly, closed one-mile loop in east London, just by Hackney Marsh, and possibly the perfect location for run training. Hill reps on the main hill. Mile reps, obviously, with the happy knowledge that your time there was equivalent to a faster flat mile. Long tempo runs with built-in mile splits. All that on Tarmac, but you could run on the MTB loops, or on the verge alongside the road surface too if you wanted softer or less even terrain. With its car-free environment, it had everything any runner could want. But it is no more.
Where are the other good running locations in London? Here are 10 of the best - and we’d love to hear about your faves too!
- Hackney Marsh. How long it survives under the Olympic onslaught we don’t know, but this is a very popular running venue. Flat firm, footing, road or grass to run on, two fields, the smaller measuring almost exactly 1500m around its perimeter, which is good reference for your interval training.
- Richmond Park. Beautiful and very big, this park has flat stretches, hills, road and off-road. Cars are allowed here, so sunny weekends are less than perfect from that point of view.
- Bushy Park. Not far from Richmond, this park has traditionally been the stamping ground of some of the world’s best runners - Sonia O’Sullivan, Benita Johnson, Craig Mottram and hosts of Kenyan and Moroccan stars have all been found putting the miles in here.
- Regents Park. As well as being a gracious and spacious green space, Regents Park has a quirky old running track which I love. It’s got a slight slope, it’s gravel, it’s so narrow that running the bends too fast would make you wipe out, and it’s about 385m. And free to use. Go and get a 770m PB now!
- Epping Forest. The forest proper is outside London, but there are a few strands creeping down into the borough of Waltham Forest, with trails that take you out of London and into the main forest. Try not to get lost.
- Hampstead Heath. Parliament Hill Fields usually hosts cross-country championships, testament to the demanding naure of the hills there. Maybe too much male socialising going on in certain areas of the Heath, but an excellent running venue nevertheless.
- Clapham Common. London’s well-bred youth and yummy mummys can be found making sure they are slim enough to fit into their designer gear. Usually plenty of runners out, so the vibe is good.
- Greenwich Park. Steep hills make this the obvious alternative to the flatter venues listed, like Wimbledon and Clapham. A beautiful park in a lovely setting by the river.
- Wimbledon Common. Maybe a little scruffy, but plenty of room to follow the trails.
- Hyde Park. Despite its central location, Hyde Park is not too manicured, and it is surprisingly big. A great central running venue.
Do let us know your fave London runs, and happy running!