“There isn’t much of the route that doesn’t incorporate hills but, with a solid surface underfoot, Gladstone still manages to be a surprisingly speedy parkrun.”

I headed to Gladstone parkrun this weekend for a bit of tourism and happened to land at a busy 300th parkrun celebratory event a stone’s throw away from Wembley.

The course is 2 laps around the undulating park, mainly on tarmac but with the odd grass section (especially when there is ice/pathworks). There isn’t much of the route that doesn’t incorporate hills but, with a solid surface underfoot, Gladstone still manages to be a surprisingly speedy parkrun. The route also boasts some spectacular views from the tops of the hill of Wembley Stadium and, on a clear day I’m told, Parliament, the City, the Shard and the London Eye.

Numbers are generally in the low 100s and there is enough space to overtake on the route apart from right at the start. It’s a well-marshalled parkrun and they make a good fuss about tourists and milestones, the latter running around in purple vests! There were also a number of buggy runners and blind runners with guides taking part; the whole event had a lovely community feel to it – a case in point being the 300th outing’s very large cake!

Facilities wise: free and plentiful parking on Kendal Road next to the park; toilets next to the start/finish (when the cafe is open); large playpark and outdoor gym by the start/finish; and ‘Pavillion Cafe’ next to the finish for afterwards.

Find out more about Gladstone at parkrun.org.uk

Personal Stats

PB – 26:13
Best Position – 78th
Times run – 1