As regular devotees will undoubtedly tell you, running is so much more than just a workout for the body. One of the main reasons that so many people remain evangelical about the pursuit is the wonderful connection it brings to the mind, the body and importantly to the environments that you choose to run in. It gives one an opportunity to be fully immersed in a location, looking up at the skyline and driving towards the horizon to discover new places with every foot strike upon the pavement. These locations also often bring with them sights and experiences that simply cannot be accessed in cars, trains or even on daily walking commutes from home to work and back again.
London is very much a recognised epicentre for urban running in the 21st century. It offers routes that navigate through a thrilling mix of history, modern architecture and incredible green spaces to provide the backdrop for joggers, beginners and elite trainers in equal measure.
The Thames Path - Westminster to Tower Bridge - Distance of 4.5 Miles
Running with world famous landmarks as your way finders is an incredibly thrilling experience. This stretch of the Thames river has so many notable buildings and views, it can feel like running through a London postcard and it would be difficult to match in any location on the planet. The route hugs the riverbank of the age-old Father Thames starting at the iconic Westminster Bridge beneath the hands of Big Ben and Parliament. It travels across the South Bank taking in the London Eye, the striking brutalist image of the South Bank Centre and the glittering vista of the National Theatre.
Safely on the pedestrian path, away from the hordes of traffic, you continue east to take in the majesty at the home of the Bard, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, before arriving on the cobbled streets near Borough Market at the imperious footing of Tower Bridge. Working through this route in early mornings or late evenings gives a capital experience of calm and stillness in such an epic location that is amongst the greatest running experiences on earth.
Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill Loop - Distance of 5 Miles
The Royal Parks of London are considered an elegant sanctuary of nature to thousands of visitors every day, and Regent’s Park could easily be the very best. Its formal gardens, open boulevards and boating lake offer tranquil paths that are worlds away from the West End of London that surrounds it.
The Outer Circle path has proved to be popular with runners for a long time, incorporating steady footing on wide pavements and a gentle incline that will get the heart pumping. To then make this route into something very special, one can branch away in the direction of Primrose Hill to the north. The climb may start to feel steep but the reward you will get at the summit is one of the finest panoramic views available in the city. London opens up to you with St. Paul’s reminding you of its peerless past and The Shard standing out for modernity and the future. If you can time this for a sunrise or a sunset, then you are in for a truly spectacular treat as your feet pound the streets. On the way back down, you could even head towards the inimitable energy of Camden to grab some well-earned refreshments to celebrate with.
Victoria Park to Olympic Park - Distance of 6 Miles
The Victorian philosophy of creating green spaces for the people of London to regularly enjoy is still alive and running in Victoria Park. A full loop of the outer perimeter here delivers almost three miles of well-shaded and tree-lined paths that guide you past the ornamental lakes and the remarkable Burdett-Coutts memorial fountain. At the northeast corner of the park you can exit onto the Hertford Union Canal towpath, often referred to as Duckett’s Cut, that allows a connection from here on to the River Lea and Olympic Park. This is a flat, stable and meditative mile past the moored houseboats and urban wildlife that have all made this place their home. As the canal ends one is drawn towards the skyline of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park that shifts you forward a couple of centuries to the unforgettable events of the 2012 Olympics where so many elite athletes made their name. The London Stadium, home to West Ham United, the fascinating and towering ArcelorMittal sculpture and the world renowned Zaha Hadid creation of the Aquatics centre are all on show to support you from the sidelines as you loop through a run matched equally in serenity and spectacle.
The Hampstead Heath Circuit - Distance of 6-7 miles
If you do crave the countryside running experiences of varied terrain, gradient changes and 360 degrees of verdant scenery then the Hampstead Heath Circuit is miles ahead of the competition. This is almost 800 acres of ancient and untamed location that is placed at the one of the highest points in the city, and it can definitely offer a challenge to your legs and your lungs in more of a trail running manner.
Consider a route beginning at a landmark like Parliament Hill Lido that will take you deep into the Heath’s lower woodland, where you may even spot grazing deer, before attempting a sprint summit up to Parliament Hill itself. The sweeping city skyline view that can pick out Canary Wharf on a clear day is enough to take your breath away, even without your feet moving. Then descending north towards Highgate Ponds and looping east to the Kenwood Estate lets you dig into the dirt and mud for an exhilarating run that feels more like a journey across England’s green and pleasant lands than a city jog. If the adrenaline is still pumping, then you can always extend the route up to Alexandra Palace via the Parkland walk too.
The ceremony and exhilaration of running is a huge part of the attraction. Lacing up your trainers and switching off the modern world for just a little while allows a mindful focus to appear as you drive yourself forward in exercise.
As you can see from this brief selection of routes, the city of London is incredibly well placed to be the perfect running partner alongside you. You have everything you need here to achieve your personal best in more ways than one.
