Parkrun has become part of global sporting culture in recent years and there are some wonderful venues to be enjoyed across Devon, but one of them has a very daunting tag. 

The Woolacombe Dunes course is host to the ‘UK’s hardest parkrun’, but it is still a beauty. 

As with most of sporting venues in North Devon, the scenery for the Woolacombe Parkrun is simply breathtaking, with the sea to one side and the rolling Westcountry hills on the other.  

The parkrun is 5km, and an absolute beast from start to finish, with the terrain ranging from soft sand and elevated sand dunes to rocky stone tracks.  

Despite the physical test, it is fantastic fun to take on the Woolacombe course and there is the added benefit of a potential dip in the sea to cool off after conquering the toughest Parkrun imaginable.  

Other parkruns that hold a special status in Devon include the course on Exmouth seafront, which is regarded as the most popular in Devon, with an average of registration of over 300 runners every week. 

The Haldon Forest parkrun holds the title of the ‘most picturesque in Devon’ and it is difficult to argue with that accolade. 

The run takes you through the atmospheric Haldon Forest in East Devon, with stunning views from its elevated position. Perhaps best of all is the Forest café, a great place to unwind with coffee and cake after completing 5,000m in beautiful Devon countryside.  

Moving across to South Devon, and the Torbay Velopark parkrun is another little cracker. The course winds around the Velopark in Paignton and through some scenic woods, although it can get a tad muddy. This parkrun is not far from Paignton Zoo and, with some astute hearing, runners can get support from the lions.

In Plymouth, the Central Park parkrun is staged in the shadows of Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium.

It is a delightful course through Central Park and always a popular event. Plymouth Life Centre is next door to the Park, so you can double your fitness with a cooling swim after the run.