Stretford parkrun
Manchester-based Stretford parkrun begins and ends in Longford Park Stadium and comprises one lap of the track, two clockwise laps of Longford Park and one further lap of the track to finish. The stadium was really easy to find (use postcode M21 9TA) and the car park was free. The car park was large enough for around 100 cars, but come early if you definitely want to park there because runners are asked not to park in the surrounding residential roads and Stretford is a very popular parkrun. There are toilets and changing rooms at the stadium, as well as a counter serving food and drinks.
The whole course is on permanent paths or running track and is about as flat as they come. The course description makes the route sounds quite complicated, but it’s actually really straightforward, with marshals and/or cones to stop you taking any wrong turns. Although it’s a busy parkrun, the paths are wide enough that it doesn’t feel too congested. Longford Park is very pleasant to run around and it’s a good course even in poor weather. It is one of the flattest courses I’ve run and I can’t remember there being any hills or inclines whatsoever. I think it would be possible to get a very good time at Stretford parkrun.
Although I didn’t notice any of this on the way round, Longford Park is home to lots of facilities (outside toilets), including tennis and basketball courts, bowling green and wildlife garden, so there’s plenty to do there on a nice day. It’s also only a 15 minute drive from the Trafford Centre or Manchester city centre.
Official Event Page: Stretford parkrun
Nearby postcode: M21 9TA
Hills: Ascent/Descent metres 7.3
Subjective PB potential: 10/10 – completely flat with wide paths
Distance Displayed on Suunto Spartan Trainer: 4.96 km
Fastest parkrun, Hardest parkrun & Easiest Courses in UK | difficulty ratings
For training plans, course guides, and the full index of UK parkruns, see the parkrun hub.
Last Updated on 27 May 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee ❤️
All articles are written by real people, fact-checked, and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
theparkrunner is a contributing writer covering road races, endurance events and the travel side of racing life. Reports focus on upcoming events, race destinations and what athletes need to know before they arrive.
No cafe or inside toilets or changing rooms anymore have a outside toilets only
ty