Abbey Park

The honest version

Abbey Park parkrun is a single loop around one of Leicester's most historic parks, running past the ruins of Leicester Abbey, the River Soar, ornamental gardens, a boating lake and the cricket oval. The course is entirely on wide tarmac paths with under 5 metres of total elevation gain. That is not a typo. This is genuinely, measurably, one of the flattest parkruns in the East Midlands.

It is also first alphabetically among all UK parkruns. The Run Director mentions this fact at most briefings. Abbey Park parkrun takes pride in its position at the top of the alphabet and the community around it is friendly and well-established. Come for the flat course, stay for the history.

The start

The start is at the boating lake in the centre of the park, which is also where the course finishes. The park is close to Leicester city centre and around half a mile from St Margaret's Bus Station. There is parking nearby on Abbey Park Road but it fills early on busy mornings. The briefing area can feel large when the field is in, so arrive with time to find the start.

Kilometre by kilometre

• Km 1
  Away from the boating lake through the park

  Wide tarmac paths from the start, heading through the park past the ornamental gardens and towards the River Soar. Flat from the first step. The paths are generous in width and the early pace feels comfortable.

• Km 2
  Along the river and past the abbey ruins

  The route takes you close to the River Soar and past the ruins of Leicester Abbey. The ruins date to the 12th century and are quietly dramatic in the background as you run past. The only real elevation change is a bridge you cross in both directions.

• Km 3
  Cricket oval and gardens section

  The course takes in the cricket oval and Japanese garden sections of the park. Still completely flat. This is where the course opens up most and you can really stretch out if you have the legs for it.

• Km 4
  Pets Corner and back toward the lake

  Past Pets Corner and the play area as the course loops back toward the boating lake. The finish is now in sight and the wide paths give room to push.

• Km 5
  Finish at the boating lake

  The finish line is back where you started, at the boating lake. Wide, flat, fast. If you are going to PB anywhere, this is a very strong candidate.

Course statistics

What to wear on your feet

Getting there and parking

Parking is available at Abbey Park Road car park adjacent to the park. The park is around half a mile walk from St Margaret's Bus Station and just over a mile from Leicester train station. Bus services run directly to the park from the city centre.

Leicester city centre is walkable from the park and worth exploring if you are visiting for the parkrun. The park café, Peppercorns, is in the park and open before and after the run on most Saturdays.

Practicalities

Toilets are available in the park near the start and finish area. The café Peppercorns serves hot drinks and food. The park also has a miniature railway, a pets corner, tennis courts and boating on the lake, which makes it a good destination for non-running family members.

Abbey Park parkrun typically draws a good crowd and the field is well spread across abilities. The flat course and good organisation make it an excellent event for first-timers and experienced parkrunners alike.

Is it a good PB course?

Excellent. Abbey Park is one of the flattest parkruns in the East Midlands with under 5 metres of total elevation gain across the whole 5k. The wide tarmac paths, flat course and good field size make this a genuine PB venue. If you arrive on fresh legs and conditions are dry, this is the kind of course where you run faster than you expect.

The only caveat is the single bridge that you cross twice, adding the tiniest amount of elevation. Even accounting for that, this is as flat as parkrun gets. If you have a PB in mind and you are visiting Leicester, Abbey Park should be your first choice.

Guide written from personal experience at Abbey Park parkrun.

Written by Azeem Ahmad

Last updated June 2026.