Event Name: Southend Parkrun
Location: Gunners Park, Shoeburyness
Started: 13th October, 2012
Course Type: Three laps, flat
Date Visited: 11th July, 2026
Accessibility: Dog friendly – yes, buggy friendly – yes
With over 650 events under its belt, Southend Parkrun has welcomed over 16,000 unique runners and counting, with almost 25,000 scoring PBs at the event. That alone is sure to grab the attention of anyone looking to shave a few seconds off their time.
So, is it a fun event that’s worth Lacing Up for? Read on to learn more.
TL;DR: Three things to know – 1) arrive early for free parking, 2) be prepared for some wind along the seawall, 3) be ready for PBs
Lacing Up’s Visit To Southend Parkrun
First up, an omission: Southend Parkrun is my most frequently visited course even though there are at least five closer. So, you can probably tell this will be a positive review.
The three lap anti-clockwise course is brilliant. It’s 95% tarmac and concrete paths while the elevation on each lap is probably less than 5 metres. On this particular visit there was a headwind on the longest stretch, but ordinarily it’s a tailwind whilst the sections with headwind are less exposed. On the right day, it’s ideal for a PB. Pretty much all footwear is suitable.
You’ll pass a skate park and a lake. Meanwhile, the estuary is on the right as you run (or walk/jog) down the longest stretch of the course. It’s not the absolute most scenic Parkrun route around, but it’s far from boring. You are exposed to the elements, though, and should prepare appropriately for the weather on any given day.
Typically, the event attracts between 250 and 350 runners, although it does get busier on special events like pacer days. Generally, the fastest runners are hitting sub-17 whilst a couple of local runners post sub-15 times (mental!) and every pace down to one hour is well represented meaning even solo runners are unlikely to find themselves running without someone to catch.
Being a lapped course, fast runners will need to overtake slower runners. There are one or two short stints where this can be a little tougher but the paths are generally pretty wide.
The pre-run brief is always enthusiastic at Southend with time for shoutouts for birthdays and milestones. The positivity continues on the course with friendly marshals whilst you’ll also usually pass a flagwaver and get a foam hand high-five on each lap (if you want it) for some added motivation.
A downhill slope is ideal for a fast finish, followed by a well organised finish funnel and barcode scanning process. Job done.
Who Is It Best For?
Southend Parkrun is a firm favourite for locals, not least because it is a flat and fast course that is very kind to anyone chasing a PB unless it’s particularly windy as the course is located right on the sea wall.
The flat course is also a good choice for new runners or runners with young children. Thanks to the three lap nature of Southend Parkrun, you can easily drop out at the end of a lap if you pick up an injury too.
Despite the name, tourists looking to enjoy a day in Southend may prefer Chalkwell Beach, which is nearer to attractions like the Pier, Adventure Island, and Leigh Marina. Still, the course is conveniently located just a few minutes away from Shoeburyness train station.
Facilities
The biggest downside of Southend Parkrun is the lack of on-site toilets, which will certainly disrupt the pre-run rituals of some.
On a brighter note, the Shorehouse Harvester is only a five minute walk from the start/finish area. It is apparently where some runners head for a post-run coffee, although we did not do this on the day.
Car parking is free, but limited.
The Highlight
Aside from the prospect of fast times, there is a great atmosphere at the pre-run brief. We’ve been here for pacer days, anniversary runs, and standard Saturday mornings in January. There is always a palpable community feel with several regular faces on the volunteer sheet each week.
Verdict
The end-of-the-line location is a potential downside for Parkrun tourists, but it’s still only an hour or so by train from London. Whether seeking sea views or speedy times, it’s definitely worth a visit.
