The Best Running Routes In London To Keep Fit

Although London is a busy city, it is also a very large one and for those who enjoy a city run, there are multiple routes to enjoy. Whether you are choosing to run for fitness, you are training for a competition or, you are training for a half marathon/marathon, London can be a great city for runners.

Why Choose To Run In London

If you live in London, you will be pleased to know there are many routes to enjoy. Additionally, some various terrains and environments can be both challenging and easy if you wish for a casual run. Furthermore, it has plenty of grassy routes if you want to avoid the foot traffic. If you do wish to stick to road running then be prepared to enjoy many historical landmarks along the way. So, if you plan on going on a run in London, here are some of the best routes available in the capital.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is a route that isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you are a regular runner who enjoys long-distance running then Richmond Park may be the perfect route for you. Covering around 11.6km in the distance, it is certainly a challenge but one everyone should try. It is one of London’s largest parks and has plenty of woods, fields and nature that you can enjoy along the way.

Now, Richmond Park is one of the most visited parks in London. The issue with this is that it can be quite busy and you can bump into a lot of people along the way. To avoid these peak crowds, consider running early in the morning as the sun rises or consider an evening run instead.

Battersea Park

If you wish to enjoy a nice easy jog to kickstart your day then Battersea Park is the perfect place for just that. This loop is a lot shorter than Richmond Park and is perfect for those who don’t run a lot.

On this run, you can glide past both the Battersea power station and the Battersea cats and dogs home. Furthermore, it is easy to get to if you are on the other side of the city. Just hop on the tube and get to the Northern Line.

This amazing park is perfect for those who want to take in something as they are running. With a bandstand, playground gardens and a boating lake, it is the perfect place to visit. Then once you have finished your run, you can enjoy one of the many cafes that are scattered around the park. So, for just a light 3km run, this is a place that you have to run around.

Hyde Park

Last but not least is Hyde Park which is a fantastic place to run that is in the heart of the city. Plus, there are plenty of Hyde Park parking spots where you can leave your vehicle if you don’t wish to get the tube here. Additionally, it is one of the largest Royal parks in the city centre that has plenty of events throughout the year. Not to mention the numerous running routes which you can enjoy.

Although Hyde Park is quite a large park where you can enjoy a run, there is a route where you can see all four Royal Parks. This covers Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, and St James’s Park. All of these activities cover 10.5km and are the perfect route for intermediate runners.

Gasholder Park

For something a little different, Gasholder Park in the King’s Cross area offers a unique running destination. This circular park is built within a restored gasholder frame, making it one of the most distinctive green spaces in London. While the park itself is relatively small, it provides a great spot for short, casual runs or as a part of a larger route through the surrounding area.

The nearby Regent’s Canal towpath is perfect for extending your run, offering scenic views and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can also connect to Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, which add to the vibrant atmosphere of this area. Gasholder Park is ideal for those looking for a unique setting to mix up their running routine or explore an architecturally interesting part of London.

So there you have it, three perfect running routes that you can enjoy in the capital. Yes, London has many running routes that you can enjoy but remember, it is an extremely busy city so you need to time it right so you are not bumping into people. Get on your running gear and head to one of these routes in the capital.