My interest in running came about quite suddenly. A few years ago I decided to try and run a mile without gasping for aåir. When I succeeded, I decided, why not try two miles. I kept progressing and miraculously, I ran a 5k, a 10k, and a half marathon. I completely understand that running does not sound like the most enjoyable activity for everyone, but I find for those who can find the sense of freedom in running, it is not only the best workout, but an amazing way to let go of the stresses in life. I am currently training for a full marathon and that frightens me more than I would like to admit. I thought I would share some of London’s beautiful running routes that I have found in my training. London is such a beautiful city to run in, every path has their own personality. Check out the routes I have discovered in my training, who knows.. you might just want to take up running too, if only to feel the rush of energy from this gorgeous city we live in now, London.
1. Hyde Park- About 5 miles running fully around that can also extend 3 more miles by running through Green Park.
This is where my first half marathon stared and finished. Hyde park is such a beautiful green space in London, there are also so many paths within if you are just looking for a quick mile or causal jog. Taking the tube to Hyde Park Corner always leaves you with the best options on where to begin.
2. Bridge to Bridge along the Thames- 5 to 10 miles.
This run begins by taking the tube to Westminster station. I start by running from Westminster Bridge along the Thames, to Tower Bridge. Then I run across Tower Bridge and back up the Thames to Westminster bridge. I do not even have to tell you all the sights you are able to soak in while running this route. Everything from Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London. This is a great run for any time of day, preferably when there aren’t so many tourists.
3. Bushy Park- 6, 12, 20 miles.
Okay, so I recently learned that Bushy Park is just outside of London. This is my absolute favorite place to run because it is so close to where I live. I am currently living in Kingston, part of greater London and Bushy Park is a 5 minute walk over Kingston Bridge to Richmond. Busy is a great place to run for many reasons, great paths, beautiful sights, and its stillness. It is a very large closed off space, you almost feel as if you have been dropped into the country. You will also notice the sign, which as a New Yorker startled me the first time I ran here, that states that wild deer freely roam the park. It is quite something to run past a large pack of deer with antlers on an average day. Mind you, they are completely used to runners and bikers. This is where a majority of my training has happened because it is so easy to loop around the park to increase mileage. To get here, you can take South West Trains to either Kingston or Hampton Wick, either way it will be a short walk to Bushy Park. It might not be technically considered London, but it is a beautiful retreat that is very accessible from central.
London Is A Watercolour 