When it comes to running, what's your nemesis? Brutal inclines that make your legs feel like lead? Slippery mud surfaces or shifting sand that saps energy?
Parkruns are a series of 5K running events held around the world that are renowned for being inclusive and beginner friendly. They are completely free and non-competitive, and people can walk, jog, or run at their own pace.
However, in reality the courses can vary widely in difficulty, and many offer a great challenge to even very experienced runners.
While many of the routes are flat and on hard surfaces, others are much more testing, due to uneven terrain, hilly locations and exposed locations. Do you have the grit to try one?
- Want to participate in a Parkrun this year? You’ll need this beginner-friendly kit loved by runners
- 10 most beautiful Parkrun routes in the UK
- 10 easiest Parkrun routes in the UK
Hardest Parkruns in the UK
Great Yarmouth, UK
Great Yarmouth North Beach Parkrun is considered to be the toughest course in the UK. The soft sand is brutal on the legs and runners struggle to build up speed. Be prepared for leg burn and sand in your face when the winds pick up.
Woolacombe Dunes in Devon is touted as being the second toughest for similar reasons.
Whinlatter Forest, UK
Located in the Lake District, Whinlatter is the UK’s hilliest parkrun, with over 200m elevation gain in the 5k loop. The start is 300m above sea level, so when the weather's bad, there's no escaping it. Tails can get muddy underfoot.
Runners, however, are rewarded with breathtaking views over Derwentwater.
Durlston Country Park, UK
This clifftop route in Dorset offers incredible views, but there's not much opportunity to comfortably take them in on the punishing route. The lung-busting hills are non-stop and there are trail sections, which can become muddy and covered in leaves.
Hilly Fields, UK
As the name suggests, Hilly Fields in Lewisham, London, will test your climbing and descending abilities. The three-lap course over grassy, uneven terrain is notorious for its tough climbs, and is definitely the hilliest in London.
Lanhydrock, UK
Nestled in Cornwall, this parkrun features steep climbs and rough terrain. The undulating course through the beautiful Lanhydrock Estate makes it both scenic and grueling, with a mix of forest trails and parkland paths.
Mount Edgcumbe Parkrun, also in Cornwall, has a similarly daunting reputation.
Hardest Parkruns in the world
Dunedin, New Zealand
This infamous Parkrun takes place at the beautiful botanic gardens in the second-largest city after Christchurch in the South Island. The course is made up of two laps of the lower garden followed by two laps of the upper garden.
The scenery is stunning, but you might be too tired to explore after you've completed the punishing loops.
Thousand Hills, South Africa
This course in Botha's Hill, Durban is described as an 'extreme trail' by organisers. They warn that you should be prepared for hills and possible livestock, but that you'll be rewarded with great views and delicious breakfast and coffee at the end. There's over 200m elevation gain.
Knockanacree Woods, Ireland
If you enjoy trail running, you'll love this forest 5k in County Tipperary, Ireland. It's an undulating course on narrow, wooded trails that can get wet and muddy. Post storms the event can be cancelled because of downed branches and debris.
Mundy Regional, Australia
This is a brutal event near Perth in Western Australia with 232m of climbing. Organisers describe it as having 'challenging climbs with runnable downhills and rollercoaster sections'.
It's trail the whole way, but probably the biggest challenge is the scorching heat, which can reach well over 30°C at 8am.
Nambour, Australia
Rivalling Mundy Regional as the toughest course Down Under is Nambour Parkrun on the other side of the country in Queensland, Australia. Temperatures can soar here, too.
Runners need to be alert – there are steep sections as well as loose trail surfaces underfoot, not to mention the sociable emu who sometimes joins them on the course!
More on walking, jogging and running:
- Why is the first part of a run the hardest?
- Active ways to enjoy the great outdoors
- Trail running guide: what it is, benefits, what to wear, and getting started
Main image: Getty Images