If you were trying to decide which of the Gloucestershire parkruns to do then I thought it may be helpful to read a post by a local. Note some of them I have only attended once whilst others lots of times.
What Constitutes Gloucestershire parkruns
Now it seems that what people consider as Gloucestershire varies. One group I am in counts what I figure is South Gloucestershire. Personally I think a lot of us would count them as more Bristol. These are Chipping Sodbury parkrun; Pomphrey Hill parkrun; Three Brooks parkrun and Thornbury parkrun.
GL Postcode parkruns
Likewise, Wolford Wood parkrun is apparently Warwickshire – but that is no longer running. However, Fire Service College parkrun is making a comeback. In this instance I am talking about those with a GL postcode – which actually does make it Gloucestershire.
Other local parkruns
Also, depending where you are based in Gloucestershire, you may want to consider some of the Worcestershire parkruns when make your choice of where to visit. Such as Worcester parkrun; Worcester Pitchcroft parkrun and Evesham parkrun.
Gloucestershire parkruns on Fields
The following Gloucestershire parkruns are totally on grass (besides a tiny bit at Stonehouse and Wotton has a section where it’s optional to go off the grass).
These are really good because it obviously gives runners plenty of room, especially when overtaking. Ideal for those who wish to Jeff.
- Gloucester North parkrun
- King George V Playing Field, Cheltenham parkrun – good for post run cakes. Boasts having the second longest name!
- Stonehouse parkrun – Stroud’s flat parkrun
- Tewkesbury parkrun – good for Tourism and lovely little community. Heaped in history and the run is in front of the splendid Abbey.
- Wotton parkrun – deceptively challenging! Good if you like small numbers.
More Trail Shoes
These parkruns would also benefit from trail shoes but there are potentially points where it isn’t always easy to overtake. Personally I have only visited them both once so need to go again.
- Cirencester parkrun – go for the comedic value, on social media and in person was such a laugh.
- Stratford Park, Stroud parkrun
Gloucestershire parkruns on Path
- Berkeley Green parkrun – known to be fast. Great volunteers who make the course really interesting! The course has actually changed since last time we visited however.
- Gloucester City parkrun – also known to be fast. Can be a little crowded.
Which Shoes Dependent on Which Course
- Cheltenham parkrun – this has a summer and winter course. The summer course has a nice bit of incline and the winter one is more on path. It is quite a busy and, in my opinion, the most crowded of the Gloucestershire parkruns. Improvements keep being made all the time to accommodate the high numbers.
- Kingsway parkrun – another with summer and winter courses. Summer course has a range of surfaces which includes grass and path. During the winter the course can get very wet. I have put this parkrun here but really you could wear the same shoes in summer and winter.
- Tetbury Goods Shed parkrun – I have only taken part in the alternate course which was an out-and-back all on gravel path. Although there are a lot of tree roots. It was rather painful for me in barefoot trainers. The actual route apparently means you are more likely to need your trail shoes. We need to return to do this – but the alternative was very fast.
Forest of Dean parkrun Locations
If you’re visiting the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire then there’s a few very wonderful parkrun locations to choose from.
- Forest of Dean parkrun – through the forest. Not very heavily marshalled so you follow signs. Had my boys stay with me so that I didn’t get lost. Very muddy when we did it.
- Lydney parkrun – the most welcome and friendliest of all the Gloucestershire parkruns I have gone to! A lot of the course is on path but there is a muddy section (obviously weather dependent).
- Mallards Pike parkrun – really great if you want to visit somewhere that feels super inclusive! It is also hardcore track so you do not need to worry about wearing trail shoes. The highest elevation.
- Newent parkrun – this is an unusual one within a school – although it is more interesting than it sounds. It is mostly field but not totally, and felt is sat better with the other Forest of Dean parkruns.
See Mum of Three World who is also a parkrunner from Gloucestershire for further content