Fitness: London’s Best Spots to Run

Yes, London is full of gyms but there is no better way to strengthen your bones and get your heart pumping than a good old run. Why would you pay money to run on a treadmill like a hamster when our lovely city is filled with beautiful running spots? Especially now that the sun is out there is no excuse for locking yourself in a gym. You can run anywhere but there are some spots which stand out and make your running routine a hell of a lot more enjoyable. Here are a couple of tried and tested spots you need to go for a run in.

Victoria Park

One the oldest public parks in London, Victoria Park was opened in 1845. It is separated in two by Grove Road, which runs right down the middle. Why is it so good for running, you ask? Well, it’s got dirt tracks, grass, concrete and water fountains spread throughout it. The scenery is also pleasant as there is a beautiful pond going right through the middle of the park. The fact that it is filled with joggers speaks for itself. The park is open every day from 7 am  to dusk and the closest underground stations are Bethnal Green and Mile End.

South Bank run

The pavements may be busy but running along the Thames is even more breathtaking than a normal run-and-puff session , especially if you can try and catch the sunrise or sunset. A nice route is to start on the north side of the river on top of the Millennium Bridge. Trot across it to the south side of the river. From there jog on the bank all the way to the Golden Jubilee Bridge, cross back to the north side and run back towards the Millennium bridge. That makes a circuit of about 3.4 miles and the whole route is next to the river.

Regents Canal

You can start at Limehouse station and run all the way to Camden Station. It is up to you how far you want to go and the whole canal is beautiful. To give you an idea: from Camden to Limehouse is 6.6 miles. What’s nice about running on the canal is that you get to see plenty of beautiful canal boats, wildlife, and lovely scenes all around.

Some parts of the canal are busier than others and you may have to zigzag between people from time to time on a sunny day but it is worth the effort, especially as you are for the most part  shielded from the city noises

Although it’s a bit late to start working on that summer bod there’s still time slim down before the end of the season. Next time you’re looking for a new place to go for a run make sure to try these spots first as you won’t regret it! What are you waiting for? Get that bottle of water, those running shoes and off  you go.

 

by Dominic Wolf

The post Fitness: London’s Best Spots to Run appeared first on Felix Magazine.