For all fitness levels 🏃‍♂️

Looking for a good run in the city? Southampton has got your active needs covered. 

Whether you're just starting out or an experienced runner, here are some of our top picks to lace up you trainers: 

Southampton Common

📍20 minute walk from Highfield Campus

As the largest open space in Southampton, this is a great place to start. Spanning 365 acres of parkland, take in the beautiful lake and woodland around you. 

The flat terrain make it ideal for all fitness levels, and if you really get into running here make sure to check out the regular park run events! 

Riverside Park

📍30 minute walk from Highfield Campus

Located along the River Itchen, this is one of the prettiest places for a run in the city. It's known as a great spot for wildlife, so make sure to keep your eye out for animals like salmon, water voles, kingfishers and even otters! 

If you're not in the mood for a run, the park also has 6 football pitches, 2 cricket pitches, a tennis court and skate park. 

Itchen Valley Country Park

📍10 minute drive, or 35 minutes on a bus from Highfield Campus 

Speaking of nature, Itchen Valley Country Park is a must-visit whether you're a runner or not. Located on the outskirts of the city you'll find 440 acres of scenic meadows, woodland and riverside trails. 

The varied terrain can be a refreshing change from central routes. There's also a free weekly 5km run every Saturday at 9am, if you're interested find out more here. 

Top walking/running apps to download

1. Strava – a tracking app that lets you record, share and analyse your runs with others. 
2. Go Jauntly – a walking app full of trails to explore and fun challenges to try. 
3. All Trails – an app full of verified trails where you can keep a record of all your travels. 

Our top tips

• Run during daylight hours and inform someone of your route to stay safe.
• Carry water with you, especially on those longer runs or hot days. 
• Consider joining a uni run club or local park run events to meet fellow runners. 

Running is a great way to explore a city, and Southampton has so much to offer – see for yourself!