At 9am every Saturday morning at over 1,000 locations across the country, Parkrun and their army of volunteers mark out their courses, set-up their start lines and get their stop-watches handy, ready to welcome thousands of people.
Parkrun is an organisation which puts on 5km runs every week in each location. Provided for free and with no pressure to commit, the events are for everybody who wants to take part, whether you’re a professional athlete or you haven’t run since school PE lessons. Taking part is what counts and there is no time limit or last place – Parkrun is a supportive and friendly environment where you can expect a warm welcome no matter if you run, walk or jog.
Just remember to sign up on the Parkrun website to get your personal barcode which will be used to set your time at the finish line
Manchester is home to eighteen Parkruns, each one with its unique qualities and experience – we’re spoilt for choice. Luckily for us students, three of these are easily accessible from student neighbourhoods by foot, pedal and public transport.
Based on my own experience taking part in these events, I will give you a run-down of these three Parkruns to make it that little bit easier for you to get your foot out the front door and start taking part.
South Manchester Parkrun – Platt Fields
Getting there: it doesn’t get more accessible than this, within walking distance of Fallowfield, connected to bike paths, and right next to many bus routes (41, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 142,143, 111, 150)
Popularity: very popular and a lot of students – expect a crowd but you will find space to run.
Difficulty: the whole course is quite flat and run mostly on concrete paths – an opportunity to get a new Personal Best.
Scenery: run along tree-lined paths and past the historic Platt Hall. You can’t miss all the different birds around the lake, from swans to parrots.
The Platt Fields Parkrun is great for students because of how easily accessible it is, making it a good place to start for anyone interested in taking part in Parkruns.
Added bonus: you can get yourself a coffee at Haus afterwards with 10% off when you show your Parkrun barcode.
Getting there: easily accessible on bike or by bus (42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 142, 171).
Popularity: another busy one but not loads of students.
Difficulty: mostly gravel paths, some ups and downs but plenty of people even manage to run while pushing a pram so it’s doable.
Scenery: run along the River Mersey, beside fields and through woods.
Fletcher Moss Parkrun is a popular run with an interesting course, which also offers you chance to explore Didsbury afterwards.
Getting there: easily accessible on bike or by bus (42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 142, 50).
Popularity: popular with locals but it tends to not be as busy as the other two runs.
Difficulty: gravel paths are fine but other parts of the course can get muddy so you need to watch your step – there is also one set of stairs so this course is not wheel friendly.
Scenery: my personal favourite – follow the River Mersey, traverse fields and navigate woods.
Burnage Parkrun is a great friendly environment to get active and enjoy some new scenery. Added bonus – keep your eyes peeled for ‘Norman’s Corner’ where a furry friend will cheer you on.