“If you’re looking for a parkrun that ticks all the boxes – speed, solid surface, flat, great views – then Long Eaton is the one for you.”

Just off Junction 25 of the M1, West Park in Long Eaton hosts a gem of a parkrun. I headed over there after a night of incredible rain and, whilst the football pitches were totally flooded, the fully tarmaced route was still good for the go.

If you’re looking for a parkrun that ticks all the boxes – speed, solid surface, flat, great views – then Long Eaton is the one for you. Passing under the shadow of one of the famous lace mills and alongside the Erewash canal, the course is a super flat 2 lap route in beautiful surroundings. The start was slightly congested as the rain had made anything off-path lethal, but apart from that the wide paths made overtaking a breeze. It would be a great course for buggy running – indeed I actually saw a double running buggy at the end!

Numbers are around 350 and there is enough space to overtake on the route apart from when crossing the bridge. It was a well-marshalled parkrun and the facilities were incredibly impressive.

Facilities wise: ample free parking at the Leisure Centre and on the local estate; toilets at the Leisure Centre about 400m from the start line; large play parks and outdoor gym around the park; showers(!); and bacon sandwiches/ hot drinks are served at the Rugby Club House next to the finish afterwards.

Find out more about Long Eaton at parkrun.org.uk

Personal Stats

PB – 25:12
Best Position – 107th
Times run – 1