Live with a parkrun ‘on your doorstep’ in London

There’s something uplifting about a Saturday morning spent moving outdoors alongside your local community. If getting fit is on your list of goals for 2026, London’s parkrun scene offers an easy, welcoming way to build healthy habits while meeting the people who live around you. From Burgess Park to Hackney Marshes, London parkruns offer something for everyone, whatever your pace or experience. 

At Southern Housing New Homes, we know that where you live shapes how you live. From green spaces on your doorstep to local initiatives that bring neighbours together, parkrun is a perfect example of how community fitness can become part of everyday life. 

parkrun is a free, weekly 5km timed event that takes place every Saturday morning at 9am in parks across London and beyond. Open to all ages and abilities, parkruns welcome runners, joggers, walkers and volunteers alike. There’s no pressure to compete and no expectation to finish in a certain time, just a shared sense of achievement and community. 

For many, parkrun becomes more than exercise. It’s a chance to start the weekend positively, enjoy local green spaces and feel part of something bigger. 

Living in home in London means being well connected not only to the city, but also to some of the capital’s most popular London parkrun locations. 

Burgess parkrun – 5-minute cycle from Glengall Rise, Peckham 

Burgess parkrun winds through the beautiful open spaces of Burgess Park, which is located directly across from our homes at Glengall Rise. With a friendly, diverse crowd and a relaxed pace, it’s a great option for those looking to ease into regular exercise while enjoying the social side of parkrun. 

Hackney Marshes parkrun – 9-minute cycle from Wickside, Hackney Wick 

Known for its wide-open views and flat terrain, Hackney Marshes parkrun is ideal for beginners and experienced runners alike. The scenic route alongside the River Lea makes it a refreshing escape from the city, while the friendly atmosphere reflects the strong community spirit of Hackney Wick.  

Mile End parkrun – 10-minute cycle from Corner Place, Bethnal Green 

This welcoming parkrun takes place in Mile End Park and follows a compact, multi-lap course. The supportive crowd and clear layout make it especially popular with first-time runners. Its central location means Corner Place residents can easily make parkrun part of their weekend routine. 

Richmond Park parkrun – 21-minute cycle from Greenside, Roehampton 

Set within one of London’s most iconic green spaces, Richmond Park parkrun offers a stunning route in one of London’s most loved parks, surrounded by ancient trees and roaming deer. The gently undulating course provides a rewarding challenge, while the sense of calm makes it a firm favourite with local runners. A perfect place for  

Tips for parkrun Beginners 

If you’re new to running or parkruns, getting started is simple: 

If you want to find out more about how to join your local parkrun, visit their website for all the guidelines. 

More Than Just a Run 

What keeps people coming back to parkrun isn’t just fitness. It’s the friendships formed, the post-run coffees and the sense of belonging that grows week by week. For those moving into a new area, parkrun can be one of the easiest ways to feel at home and connected to the community around you. 

For anyone moving into a new area, parkrun can be one of the easiest and most welcoming ways to meet people and feel part of the local community. With several parkruns taking place close to homes we provide with Shared Ownership in London, staying active also means building connections right on your doorstep. Ready to find a home that supports an active, community-focused lifestyle? Explore our homes available in London today.