Where to Go Running as a Student in Leicester

About the author: Hi! My name is Kayleigh Graves and I am a Journalism and Creative Writing student at the University of Leicester. I spend most of my time out running, watching women’s football, trying to plan my next concert without breaking the bank and questioning how I will make it through my ever-growing tower of books.

Let's face it – work and university life can get hectic. Lectures, deadlines, a busy social life and trying to squeeze in eight hours of sleep can mean it is hard to find time to look after yourself. That’s where running comes in.

Running is a great way to get outside, de-stress and clear your head whilst boosting your fitness and avoiding a pricey gym membership. But feeling safe when you’re out for a run is just as important as the run itself.

Whether you're training for a race, have been inspired by the London Marathon TikToks to start running or just want a break from the library, this guide provides running routes and areas in Leicester that are suitable for all distances, are busy enough to feel safe and are pretty enough to post on your story.

1. Victoria Park and New Walk 🌲

Located right next to the University of Leicester, Victoria Park is a favourite spot for socialising and exercising. It is a large open space with flat paths, good lighting in darker hours and multiple access points. It is also right next to Clarendon Park, a popular student housing area.

Victoria Park sits close to New Walk, a pedestrian-only, smooth stretch that runs from the University of Leicester into the city centre. There is usually a steady amount of foot traffic throughout the day helping the area feel safe.

Both Victoria Park and New Walk are situated near student accommodation and popular housing areas, making it ideal for student runners. You can begin from the bottom of New Walk and run up to and around Victoria Park before heading back down, or vice versa. This route allows runners to create a loop which can also be expanded by running further or doing more laps around the park.

2. Abbey Park 🌸

If you’re living near De Montfort University or the city centre, Abbey Park is another top option for a safe and scenic run. Just outside of the city’s bustle, the park offers an open space with peaceful waterside views.

The park is an official Parkrun course, meaning that the circuit is approximately 5km – and making it ideal for those training for all distances as you can easily loop around again and again. Due to its central location, the park is fairly busy during the day which adds a good sense of safety.

Whilst slightly further out for University of Leicester students, Abbey Park is worth the extra distance for its great route. It is situated close to the bus station and there is parking nearby.

3. Grand Union Canal and River Soar 💧

For a longer, quieter run, the Grand Union Canal and River Soar offer more relaxed routes outside of Leicester’s busy centre.

Still starting near the centre, these riverside routes offer a run through more natural surroundings. Both areas are slightly less smooth and there are a couple of crossings and steps on the way, but they offer such beautiful views that you will feel like you have left Leicester!

You can follow the River Soar from Westbridge Wharf south all the way down to South Wigston, or stick to a shorter loop by turning back at any point to head back to the city centre. Similarly, if you begin in Bede Park you can run down south along the Grand Union Canal and loop back up on your return. These routes are refreshing and popular amongst runners, cyclists and dog walkers on a summer’s day.

That said, whilst these routes are stunning in the daytime, they are limited in lighting due to being in more rural areas so it is safer to stick to running these during daylight hours when it's light and others are around.

4. Running groups 🏃

If running alone still feels a bit daunting, you are not alone and don’t have to be. Leicester has some great community running groups that can help ease any nerves.

• Parkrun events take place on weekend mornings across different parks. You can run solo but still be close to others which can feel reassuring.

• Girl Who Run Leicester is a women’s running group perfect for making new friends and running with others. Their runs vary in locations and times meaning it is easy to fit into both a university and work schedule.

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