Victoria Park: It’s big, it’s paved. It’s flat. Do you need anything else? Hit out to the canal or over to the Olympic Park when you’re sick of it. For Jonty and Ants, it seems that it would take a lot to make them reach that point, they once ran 21 laps of it.
Mile End: Basically a Victoria Park extension. Would it be so popular without the might of Viccy P? Probably not, unless you like creating Strava maps that look like snakes. Decent track though, and a nice add-on if you’re on the canal.
Southwark: The thinking person’s Battersea, nice paved loop for runs, track for sessions, greenery for scenery. I once went to Southwark and the nice man behind the entry desk came out to the track after I finished just to ask how my session went. How lovely is that?
Battersea: How do you like swerving and dodging run-clubs, dogs, bikes, inattentive children and equally-if-not-more inattentive adults? Come to Battersea on a weekend or summer’s evening! Dare we say… overrated?
Regent’s: When the most popular running route is actually the road that runs outside of the perimeter of a park, that probably tells you the park is pretty ‘meh’ for running. Sorry. Strange little elongated cinder track too.
Hampstead Heath: Oh you like hills? Worth it for the view of the city and a posh café lunch after.
Crystal Palace: Oh you like hills, but live in South London? For a park of its size you can hit trails, woodlands and roads all in a single run. The track and stadium here used to be world-renowned for professional athletics meetings, which is hard to believe looking at the crumbling stands now, just like the dinosaur sculptures dotted around the park!
Richmond Park: A bit posh, as Jonty puts it, but absolutely sublime running when its quiet on a chilly winter morning. Crunching gravel laps, watching the deer and sweatily disrupting the peace in a fancy parkland coffee shop, what could be better?
Bushy Park: Henry VIII’s back garden, or one of them, anyway. Unendingly flat and seems to have expanded every time I visit, but epic running. One of the prime locations for pro-athlete-spotting during the summer.
Hackney Marshes: If found, please return Luca to The Marshes, his spiritual home. If soft surfaces, grass laps and the occasional call to return an errant football are your vibe, then Hackney Marshes are the place for you. Hit out up along the River Lea Navigation Canal to Walthamstow Wetlands, and you’ve got yourself a serious run going.
Hyde Park: If this is your favourite park, you’re a tourist.
Finsbury Park: If this is your favourite park, you’re Anthony: “Finsbury Park is the best park in London”. How does a park so compact have so much elevation squeezed in? Need even more? Parkland Walkway connects Finsbury to the infamous Claw.
Burgess Park: The marmite of South East London according to Kurt. When the team were polled Erin exclaimed “I LOVE Burgess!” right as Molly said “Burgess Park is THE WORST”. Maybe try it for yourself?
Dulwich Park: Small but mighty and home to possibly the fastest Parkrun in London. Kurt: “You can’t do a parks list without mentioning Dulwich!” Molly: “I once ran around it 16-times and stopped for a cry in the middle”.
Ruskin Park: Under-rated according to each of our South-of-The-Thames contingent. Must be, because Mr. Editor hadn’t heard of it before. Looks cute, though I’m not heading there for my long-run any time soon.
Brockwell Park: Link it up with Dulwich and Ruskin and you might actually have a long run going. Looks lovely on Street-view. The team assure me it’s good.
Wimbledon Common: Home to The Wombles and many, many dog-walkers. So if you want to practice hurdling, you’re in luck!
Trent Park: Last time I was there, I got caked in mud running a cross country race in the rain. The time before that, I got caked in mud running a cross country race in the freezing sun. Safe to say it's not super high on my list of parks personally. Besides, does this really count as London?
