Ewan, Iona and I can’t wait to head to The National Running Show at the NEC, Birmingham this weekend. We’re ambassadors, so need to be there before 9am but for many attendees, getting a local parkrun in before you arrive at the show is a must do. So which ones are nearby and what’s the best way to get to and from the NEC to the parkrun?
As we live near the NEC, I’ve used my local knowledge to compile my list of recommended nearby parkruns with tips on getting there, what makes it special and links to facebook and web pages. We’ve run them all!
Hope you get to enjoy one of our local parkruns and we look forward to seeing you at the show.
1. Babbs Mill parkrun
- Distance from NEC: ~3 miles
- Public Transport: Bus 966 from the NEC stops at Chelmsley Wood; it’s then a short walk to the park.
- About: Located east of the NEC, Babbs Mill is ideal if traveling via the M6 or M42. Enjoy a scenic run through Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve, featuring a flat course with lakeside views.
- Website: Babbs Mill parkrun
- Facebook: Babbs Mill parkrun Facebook
2. Kingsbury Water parkrun
- Distance from NEC: ~10 miles
- Public Transport: Limited options; consider a taxi or car share from the NEC.
- About: Right off the M42 (Junction 9), Kingsbury Water Park is perfect if you’re heading to the NEC from the north or east. The course offers beautiful woodland and lake scenery, but be warned if it’s been very wet it can flood and trail shoes are recommended in the winter.
- Website: Kingsbury Water parkrun
- Facebook: Kingsbury Water parkrun Facebook
3. Cannon Hill parkrun
- Distance from NEC: ~12 miles
- Public Transport: Trains run from Birmingham International (at the NEC) to Birmingham New Street. From there, buses 45 or 47 take you to Cannon Hill Park.
- About: Located in central Birmingham, Cannon Hill is great for those staying in or passing through the city. The park’s vibrant atmosphere and smooth tarmac paths make for a fantastic parkrun. This was where Iona and I finished our parkrun challenge, perfect if you need a ‘C’ for your 7 Cs.
- Website: Cannon Hill parkrun
- Facebook: Cannon Hill parkrun Facebook
4. Brueton parkrun
- Distance from NEC: ~6 miles
- Public Transport: Solihull Station, accessible from Birmingham International by train, is a short walk to the park.
- About: Situated in Solihull, Brueton is easily reached from the south via the M40 or A45. The flat course weaves through scenic parkland and wooded areas.
- Website: Brueton parkrun
- Facebook: Brueton parkrun Facebook
5. Coventry parkrun
- Distance from NEC: ~11 miles (20-minute train ride to Coventry Station, plus a short walk)
- Public Transport: Trains from Birmingham International (NEC) to Coventry Station are frequent and fast. The park is just a short walk from the station.
- About: On the same West Coast Main Line as the NEC, Coventry is perfect for attendees travelling by train. This is my home pakrun and I’ve completed it over 200 times.The course, set in War Memorial Park, is a flatish two-lap loop with wide paths and a very welcoming community. Be warned the “gentle” incline by the railway line seems a lot steeper the second time round.
- Website: Coventry parkrun
- Facebook: Coventry parkrun Facebook
6. Oaklands parkrun
- Distance from NEC: ~8 miles (15-minute drive or 20-minute train and bus ride)
- Public Transport: From Birmingham International, take a train to Birmingham New Street and then bus 55 or 94 to Oaklands Recreation Ground.
- About: Nestled in east Birmingham, Oaklands is ideal if travelling from the city or nearby suburbs. This friendly parkrun features a small, welcoming community and a relatively flat course around the park, with great views over the city.
- Website: Oaklands parkrun
- Facebook: Oaklands parkrun Facebook
7. Edgbaston Reservoir parkrun
- Distance from NEC: ~14 miles (30-minute drive)
- Public Transport: Take a train to Birmingham New Street, followed by bus 80 or 82 to the reservoir.
- About: Close to central Birmingham, this parkrun is perfect for visitors staying in the city. The flat, two-lap course offers peaceful views of the reservoir, ideal for a relaxing morning run. Perfect for a PB!
- Website: Edgbaston Reservoir parkrun
- Facebook: Edgbaston Reservoir parkrun Facebook
Travel Tips for the NEC
- By Train: Birmingham International Station (at the NEC) connects to Coventry, Birmingham New Street, and Solihull, making parkruns in these areas easily accessible.
- By Bus: Local bus services, such as the 966, 45, 47, 55, and 94, connect key locations to the parkruns,
Recent Comments