Each week we enjoy taking part in Parkrun, and there are plenty of great Sussex parkruns to choose from, all with their own unique features! Here we have rounded up some of the parkruns that we have run so far!
Worthing Parkrun
Worthing is my second most frequented parkrun – it is the perfect place for a PB as the course is pancake flat along the promenade with only one turn around point. It is also one of Sussex’s most popular parkrun with an average attendance of 600.
Starting on the promenade by Steyne Gardens, you run west towards Goring before turning around and heading back to the finish located near Splashpoint leisure centre. There are a few nice cafes located near the finish for those well-earned refreshments – we recommend The Flour Pot Bakery, Coast, Finch and Perch on the Pier.
Horsham Parkrun
This is my most frequented parkrun and where I started my parkrun journey! This is another parkrun which has a strong attendance, with an average attendance of around 500.
The course consists of 3 laps of Horsham Park and is gently undulating in places, but certainly wouldn’t pass as hilly. The Parkrun associated café is The Rec Rooms located in Horsham Park but there are plenty of other options if you head into the town centre – we love Café No. 4, Chococo and Gwyn’s Bakery.
To note this parkrun has a summer and a winter route with the winter route taking place in Southwater Country Park so worth checking ahead!
Littlehampton Parkrun
Littlehampton parkrun is another promenade parkrun which starts from the Pier/ Coastguards Station. The route is an out and back which you do twice along the flat promenade, so this is also a good option if you are looking for a PB.
It is also usually a bit quieter than neighbouring Worthing parkrun. There are a few cafes along the promenade but we particularly like The Beach which does great smoothies and a delicious bacon sandwich!
Chichester Parkrun
Chichester parkrun is located in Oaklands Park near Chichester Festival Theatre. This is a bit of a hilly course with a gradual climb up Oaklands Park, before a shorter decent back down – this is repeated three times.
Afterwards, there are plenty of cafes in Chichester to choose from but we particularly like Robin’s Nest Coffee Shop, Common Grounds and The Barn.
Lancing Beach Green Parkrun
Located just down the promenade from Worthing, Lancing Beach Green is a much quieter parkrun averaging around 150 runners each week. After a quick out and back on the grass, this route takes you east along the promenade before returning to the start.
This is another nice flat parkrun although it can get windy! Perch on Lancing Beach makes the perfect spot for post parkrun refreshments.
Ifield Mill Parkrun
One of Sussex’s smaller parkruns, Ifield Mill parkrun has an average attendance of only 100. This is largely due to having the neighbouring Tilgate parkrun so close, rather than it being any reflection on the course!
The route consists of laps past the mill pond as well as an out and back section – I recommend just following the person in front! Unfortunately, due to the paths being quite narrow on this course, dogs are not allowed and buggies are not recommended. There aren’t many options for a post parkrun coffee but the parkrun team normally head to Squired Garden Centre café.
Written by Laura – please don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @discover_sussex!
