South Norwood parkrun
Based in south east London, South Norwood parkrun is two-and-a-bit clockwise laps of South Norwood Country Park. Parking is available at the adjacent Croydon Sports Arena, though we parked for free in one of the nearby residential roads. There are toilets at the start line, but no café.
The whole course is fairly flat, apart from one short-and-steep hill towards the tram line, then a longer and shallower downhill, back towards the flat. The course is mostly on trail paths, with a small section on grass. The paths were extremely wet and muddy – everyone had muddy legs and feet by the finish. This is definitely one that would be nicer in drier weather. Numbers seem to sit consistently between 100-150 runners, which is relatively small and does mean there isn’t a lot of congestion on this course.
There’s not a lot to see or do in South Norwood Country Park, but it’s great for dog walking. It does somehow feel like you’re somewhere really remote, even though you’re in Croydon. The course goes directly past the tram lines so it’s a bit of a strange sight to see the trams as you’re running around. Overall, although it’s certainly not the prettiest or most interesting course I’ve run, but it’s straightforward, impossible to get lost, fairly flat and not congested, so there are lots of positives.
Official Event Page: South Norwood parkrun
Nearby postcode: SE25 4QL
Hills: Ascent/Descent metres 19.2
Subjective PB potential: 7/10 – mostly flat, but does get muddy
Distance Displayed on Suunto Spartan Trainer: 5.14 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
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- 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.
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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.
