Battersea Parkrun is one of the newest Parkruns in London and has quickly become extremely popular event set in one of London’s most picturesque parks.
With a flat, fast course it is currently ranked as the 3rd fastest Parkrun on Tim Grose's fastest Parkruns list in the UK, only behind Pegwell Bay and Walsall Arboretum.
It’s a great option for both seasoned runners and newcomers looking for a scenic run by the Thames.
BATTERSEA PARKRUN REVIEW
FINDING BATTERSEA PARK
Battersea Park is located on the south bank of the Thames between Albert Bridge and Chelsea Bridge.
It’s easily accessible by public transport:
The nearest train stations are Battersea Park and Queenstown Road, each about a 10-minute walk away.
The closest tube stations are Sloane Square and Battersea Power Station (the latter is step-free and about half a mile from the park).
Several bus routes also serve the park, with stops at Chelsea Gate and nearby entrances.
We travelled to Battersea Power Station via the Northern Line underground and the park was pretty easy to get to from the station.
MEETING POINT FOR RACE BRIEFING
The Parkrun typically gathers on the gravel area on Carriage Drive West, not far from the Bandstand, a central and easily identifiable landmark within the park.
Arrive a little early to hear the race briefing, which covers the course, safety information, and welcomes first-timers.
COURSE
The course at Battersea Park is renowned for being flat and fast, making it ideal for personal bests.
It follows a loop around the park, taking in wide paths, tree-lined avenues, and views of the lake and gardens.
The route is straightforward, it is 2 and a bit laps of the park.
With only 1 sharp left that you repeat 3 times as you turn into Carriage Drive West you barely notice any of the curved parts of the route.
There are plenty of marshals on hand to guide you and cheer you on.
START
The start line is close to the Bandstand. Runners are asked to line up according to their expected finish times, with faster runners at the front.
It regularly has 1000+ participants so the start can be a little bit manic.
You can see from the photo I took at the start the number of people walking around the corner to join the back of the que. If you intend to run fast aim to get to the front to avoid the backlog.
FINISH
The finish funnel is on Carriage Drive West where you meet for the race briefing.
Just like Bushy Park, there are a number of lanes to accommodate the vast amount of finishers that is well run by volunteers. They will hand out your finish token at the end of your lane and you can then scan your barcode to record your time.
There’s usually a buzz of conversation as you catch your breath and share their experiences of the flat course.
TOILETS
There are three main public toilet blocks:
- Pierpoint Toilets (near the zoo)
- Fountain Toilets (by the fountains)
- Beechmore Toilets (close to Sun Gate).
These are large and can accommodate crowds, though accessibility can vary.
Opening times depend on the season, so check ahead if you’re arriving early.
COFFEE
You can join the post run coffee at Putt in the Park cafe, which is near the finish.
There is also a number of places to grab coffee and breakfast near Battersea Power Station.
COST
The cost of Parkrun is FREE. You just need to register and take your barcode to register your time.
RESULTS
You can find the latest results for Battersea Parkrun HERE
WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?
Battersea parkrun offers a welcoming, fast, and scenic 5k experience in one of London’s most attractive parks.
With excellent transport links, a friendly community, and a course suited to all abilities, it’s a must try for locals and visitors alike.
THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND
- The course is very flat, but can get busy, especially in good weather.
- Most paths are wide and suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.
- There are refreshment stalls and a café nearby for post-run coffee and snacks.
- Parking is limited and pay and display only; public transport is strongly recommended.
WHERE TO STAY
There are numerous hotels and guesthouses in the Battersea and Chelsea areas, ranging from budget options to more upscale accommodations.
Staying near Battersea Park or Sloane Square provides easy access to the event and local attractions.
KIT
I wore the following race day kit:
- Puma SEASONS coolCELL T-shirt
- Saysky Combat 9+ Inch Half Tights
- Puma Nitrate FAST-R 3 shoes
- Coros Pace 3 Watch
- Vaga Fell Cap 2.0
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Battersea Parkrun, please get in touch.
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