parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly community event, 5km for general and 2km for juniors (4-14yo with adults welcome to accompany). Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! It is not a race; there is no time limit and no-one finishes last.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- physical health is good for mental health
- it’s a great way to meet new people but, also, parkruns tend to have a community feel about them which you can enjoy being a part of even if you don’t feel like chatting with anyone
- getting outside and in the fresh air feels great
‘I’ve been going to my local parkrun on and off for 9 years. More recently, I go with my daughter to a junior parkrun where we sometimes run and sometimes just cheer on her friends who do it more regularly. When I run the 5km event by myself, I love that there’s no competitiveness and I sometimes take it really easy and find people to chat to along the way. Other weeks, when I’m feeling a bit more energetic, the course is good enough for me to set myself targets; other participants respect that some runners will be pushing themselves like that.’
How to contact
Website
Where to go
Ely Country Park
Ely CB7 4PU
UK
Soham Village College
Sand Street
Soham
Ely CB7 5AA
UK
Littleport Leisure
Littleport Leisure
Camel Road
Littleport
Ely CB6 1EW
UK
What to expect?
Every Saturday or Sunday at 9am, people of all ages and abilities pull on their trainers and walk, run, volunteer or spectate at parkruns. These friendly, volunteer-run events are free to take part in but pre-registration via the parkrun website is essential before your first event. Most events have someone helping direct people to appropriate parking, and there will be signs telling you where to find the meeting place. When you attend for the first time you can hear a briefing about the route, course etiquette, and how the ‘finishers funnel’ works. It’s not complicated at all, but reassuring to have the information specific to each location. If you’re volunteering, you’ll also be briefed on whatever role you signed up for; again, very simple and with plenty of friendly, experienced volunteers around if you have any more questions. To spectate, just turn up on time and bring a smile (motivational slogans and tambourines optional!).
Littleport Parkrun
This 5km event take place in the grounds of Littleport Leisure Centre every Saturday at 9am. There is plenty of onsite parking and toilet facilities in the centre which are accessible. Participants often take advantage of the cafe in the centre for a post-event coffee and chat.
For more info about the course visit the website or email [email protected]
Soham Village College Parkrun
This is a 5km event at Soham Village College. There is some parking onsite but it is limited, so it is recommended to avoid driving if you have the option. There are some spaces reserved for those with limited mobility. Participants and volunteers often convene in one of the local cafes after the event and a you’ll be made very welcome if you fancy following the crowd.
For more information visit the website or email [email protected]
Ely Country Junior Parkrun
This event is 2km and takes place in Ely Country Park. Parking is limited and is a short walk from the event start, however the park itself is only about a 15 minute walk along the river from two of Ely’s public carparks and a similar distance from the city centre. For more info visit the website or email [email protected]
All parkrun events are free.
How to contact
Website
Where to go
Ely Country Park
Ely CB7 4PU
UK
Soham Village College
Sand Street
Soham
Ely CB7 5AA
UK
Littleport Leisure
Littleport Leisure
Camel Road
Littleport
Ely CB6 1EW
UK
