Which is the best Parkrun in Northampton?

We’re lucky to have 3 parkruns in Northampton: Northampton, Sixfields Upton and University of Northampton.

They are all very different beasts, so if you’re thinking of heading to Northampton for some parkrun tourism, here’s a roundup of the options so you can choose wisely.

Northampton (and Northampton Racecourse Junior Parkrun)

The original Northampton Parkrun is, well, Northampton. It started way back in 2012 and is held on the Racecourse park just to the north of the town centre.The course consists of one full lap and one smaller lap of the park. It’s the quickest of the 3 Northampton parkruns with an average finish time of 29:25. It’s all held on hardstanding paths (apart from the finish line and funnel, which are on grass) so it’s a great option for the winter as there’s no mud to deal with. 

The course is relatively flat, with a nice long downhill followed by a very small uphill, there is a slight uphill gradient at the bottom corner, but it remains a quick course with great PB potential. 

It is a busy parkrun so the first few metres can be particularly congested, but it soon quietens down. Average attendance is around 400, although busy weeks can see well over 500 runners taking part. There is always a good spread of ages and a number of people walking, so it’s a good choice for your first parkrun. Also, there are usually a few pacers about to help, most commonly from 28ish to 35 mins, but sometimes more if volunteer numbers allow. 

Logistics and Facilities

There are usually toilets available in the football changing rooms, although these facilities are not under the control of the Parkrun team, so might not always be open. There is a small carpark at The Racecourse (NN1 4LG), and on street parking is available in the vicinity, but it does get busy, so allow extra time if you’re driving. It is easily accessible by public transport, the 2, 7, 8 and x10 buses all stop right by the park.

There are plenty of options for a tasty breakfast all within walking distance, see my recommendations here:

The racecourse is also home to a junior parkrun which takes place every Sunday at 9am. Meet at the basketball courts ready for the warm up!

Sixfields Upton

Sixfields Upton Parkrun started in 2018 and takes place at Upton Country Park to the south west of the town centre, just across the road from Sixfields Stadium. It usually sees around 300 runners taking part and has an average finish time of 29:50.

The course is mostly flat and follows the paths around the country park. Some bits are a bit bumpy, but they are hard standing so no mud to worry about, although there may be a few puddles if it has rained. The course is two laps, with the second lap crossing the starting straight and then taking a right towards the funnel.

Logistics and Facilities

There is only a small amount of parking at the site so parkrunners are asked to park at Sixfields Leisure Complex (NN5 5QA) and walk over, so please allow extra time if you’re driving.  It’s easily accessible from junctions 15a and 16 of the M1, while the 15, 55 and x88 buses also serve Upton.

The Lewis Foundation coffee shop is open at the Elgar Centre (NN5 4EN) between 8.30 and 2pm at weekends for post run breakfast and also has toilet facilities.

University of Northampton

The newest kid on the block is University of Northampton parkrun which started in 2023. The course starts on the uni campus in front of the Senate building, before heading out across the footbridge over the river and into Beckets Park. You then complete 3 laps of the park, before crossing back over the river and back to the campus. I think it is the hardest of the Parkruns in Northampton as it features a hill, which you have to run up 3 times! This is also reflected in the average finish time, which is the slowest of the three at 30:16.

The course is run entirely on hardstanding paths, so again there’s no mud to worry about. It’s also quite scenic with a nice stretch of the course following the river. 

It tends to have smaller attendances, with around 200 runners taking part. There are always a few tourists as well, no doubt keen to collect their ‘U’ in the alphabet challenge. 

Here’s a little video to give you a flavour:

Logistics and Facilities

University of Northampton Parkrun is within walking distance of the town centre and so easily accessible by public transport. There is a large carpark next to the campus (Midsummer Meadow NN1 5NG) which costs £3 to park if you’re driving.

There are toilets available in the Senate Building (right by the start/finish) before and after the run, plus it hosts a cafe for the all important post run coffee and snacks. There is also a cafe in the park and a children’s play area.

It’s worth noting that this event is occasionally cancelled when there are events at the Uni, so please check before travelling. 

So which is the best?

I’m going to totally sit on the fence here. They are all great events and all have lots to offer. My personal favourite is Northampton, as it’s my home parkrun, plus it’s the one I do the most (it helps that the start line is a 2 minute walk from my house). I do like doing the University course, mainly as it’s more of a challenge. I tend to do this one when I’m training as it’s a 2km run away so I can make it into a longer run, or just enjoy the hills! Finally, Sixfields is a great change of scenery-plus it’s fast and flat.

Best PB potential: Northampton

Looking for a challenge: University of Northampton

Most scenic: Sixfields Upton

Have you done any of these? Which is your favourite?