The best parks in London to go running: From Hampstead Heath to Crystal Palace

With so many great parks on our doorsteps, there's no reason not to run for it, says Steve Cording
Run for it: Crystal Palace Park
Steve Cording1 May 2015

London offers a wealth of opportunities for runners young and old, athlete or beginner, so there really has never been a better time to get healthy and active in the capital.

The parkland available right across the city provides the perfect backdrop for any training session whether you live in the north, south or east of this great city.

My personal favourite is Bushy Park in Surrey which as well as having a beautiful 5km loop around its outer edge also caters for the family with a fantastic children’s activity playground. My four-year-old son loves playing in the giant sandpit whilst his mother and I take it in turns to do circuits of the park before Alfie joins us for the last 1km.

If you would prefer to head east then Greenwich Park offers equally superb views and is the starting point for the London Marathon. At 4.1 miles it offers more of a challenge to get all the way around the outside but again has another great playground with the added bonus of a boating lake during the summer.

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Up north, Hampstead Heath has a 3.3-mile loop and a running track that is open to the public, a massive plus – especially during the winter when the Heath can become particularly muddy.

In south London, Crystal Palace offers the perfect setting for athletics aficionados looking to make a start in keeping fit. Where better to start running than around the 1.8 mile loop that passes close by the track that has been graced by greats such as Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett and more recently Usain Bolt.

If it’s distance you’re looking for, then Hyde Park in the heart of London provides a 4.3 mile course that can be boosted to seven by adding Green and St James Parks to the end of your route.

But that is eclipsed by another of my personal favourites Richmond Park which offers a really challenging 7.35 mile round trip around the Tamsin Trail with some stunning views of south west London. It is also family-friendly with the Pen Ponds full of wildlife and the activity park by Kingston Gate providing fun for all ages (not to mention the plethora of refreshments provided every one or two miles).

The Tamsin Trail also has an all-weather surface meaning it is possible to make the most of Richmond Park all year round.

'EVERYONE CAN GET FITTER'

Paula Radcliffe has launched a search for inspirational women runners

On the lookout: Paula Radcliffe

As a mother of two young children, Paula Radcliffe is well aware of the huge benefits associated with exercise.

The 41-year-old ran her final London Marathon last weekend and is now determined to make a difference to the health of the nation.

Radcliffe recently launched a search for six London women who want to get active and inspire others by taking up the challenge of entering the Morrisons Great Newham London Run staged over 10km on Sunday July 19 in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“This event is perfect for men and women who might think that running isn’t for them but want to get a bit more active,” she said. “A 10km distance is the perfect entry level distance for the first-timer or the occasional jogger – and what better motivation do you need than to run in the footsteps of Mo Farah, Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis-Hill?”

The event is a day out for all ages and abilities with the 10km being one of a number of races taking place. There is also the Morrisons Great Family Run – over 2km for anyone over the age of five – and the brand new Morrisons Great Newham London Run 4 x 1/4 Marathon Team Relay – where each person in the team of four will complete a 10.54km distance, with their combined distance equal to a marathon.

“Running has been my life and it is a great form of exercise,” added Radcliffe. “Everyone can get a little fitter and reduce the well-known health risks associated with a general lack of physical activity.”

For more information go to greatrun.org/London

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