Are you looking for a parkrun to tick off your bucket list? You’re in luck because this isn’t just any old 5K.
The Severn Bridge parkrun offers two spectacular countries in one route. Starting in Wales, you’ll be crossing into England before you’ve even hit your stride. Now, that’s special.
Perhaps just don’t look down if you’re not a fan of heights…
This unique out-and-back one-lap course begins on the ‘old’ Wye Bridge section of the historic Severn Bridge.
On one side, the lush countryside of Monmouthshire, Wales, and on the other, the scenic English counties of Gloucestershire and Avon.
Something to keep in mind: Severn Bridge parkrun takes place on the ‘old’ Severn crossing, which is on the M48 between England and Wales. Yes, an actual motorway. But don’t let that put you off.
The motorway is open and the parkrun runs along the surprisingly wide path next to it. It is easily wide enough to have runners going in both directions along it.
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The trail is entirely on a concrete path, so you can leave your trail running shoes at home – road shoes are perfect for this course.
The smooth paved surface ensures a comfortable run, if you’re aiming for a personal best, or walk, if you’re just enjoying the scenery.
There are no toilets along the route so it’s best to visit M48 motorway services before heading into the tunnel for your run briefing, where there’s some morale-boosting parkrun graffiti, and you’ll walk up the path that leads to the bridge to get set on your marks.
While dogs are not allowed at this event to ensure a smooth run for all participants – we don’t want any dogs jumping or running into the motorway or jumping into the river – buggies and prams are encouraged. This means you can share the experience (or add an extra challenge) by bringing your little ones.
The unique aspect of the Severn Bridge parkrun is the exhilarating experience of crossing a national border mid-run, as you transition from Wales into England. But it’s the breathtaking vistas that truly captivate and help you forget the passing traffic.
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At the halfway point, you will have crossed the River Wye and be above the River Severn, which means you’ve crossed into Wales. In which case, congrats, parkrunner! Or is that cross-country traveller? It’ll then be time to loop back again.
Hungry for more?
If you’ve caught the cross country running bug or you think you’d like your 5K’s a little more continental, well, look no further than the Cieszyn parkrun.
This route starts in Poland before crossing the border into the Czech Republic and out again.
The location of this park run is a small city split in two: the Polish side, Cieszyn and the Czech side, Cesky Tesin.
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