What is Parkrun?
For anyone not sure what parkrun is, it is a free, community event that takes place every Saturday morning at 9am. The organisers foster positive, welcoming and inclusive environments. There is no time limit as participants run, jog and walk an accurately measured 5k course.
Local Parkruns
There are plenty of parkruns in Bristol and the surrounding area. Since its creation in 2004, the popularity of parkrun has continued to increase with some of the Bristol parkruns attracting up to 500 participants!
Our Store Manager, Jamie, has been getting out into the local running community and enjoying some of the many parkruns in the Bristol area. Here are the ones he has run so far:
Ashton Court – our local parkrun. It is an out and back course through Ashton Court Estate over a mix of tarmac and stone/gravel paths.
The start is by the Ashton Court Mansion where the post-run cafรฉ and carpark are located.
The course goes 2.5km up the hill before turning around to go back down the hill to the finish. Make sure to pace your effort on the uphill!
Clevedon Salthouse Fields – is a three lap course over tarmac along the seafront.
The start is by the tennis courts across the field. There is parking by the Salthouse Pub where they meet for post-run coffee.
The course is very flat with just a few short, steep ramps. It goes around the Marine Lake and has great views of the Pier and seafront.
Eastville – is a mix of two small and one big lap through Eastville Park over tarmac paths.
The start is in the middle of the park on the central path. There is parking in the top car park by the coffee van.
The course loops around the Eastville Lake and snakes through the park. It is fairly flat but there are some rolling hills to keep it interesting!
Marine Parade – is a two lap out and back course along the seafront. In the summer it is run on the beach over sand and in the winter along the prom on tarmac paths.
The start is either on the beach or by the bus shelters close to Revo Kitchen. There is parking all along the seafront with post-run coffee at the Victorian Cafรฉ.
The course is very flat and fast but because it is on the seafront it can be very windy!
Somerdale Pavilion – is a two and a bit lap course over trail paths and grass.
The start is in the fields by the pavilion. There is parking in the pavilion car park and post-run coffee at the Pavilion Cafรฉ.
The course loops around the Shamcross Cyclocross course and is nicknamed the Curly Wurly. It is flat but very twisty turny and definitely not one to be missed!
Interested in taking part?
It’s free to take part, just register before the event at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/