wellness
South Bank Runners Choose Two Thames Parkrun Routes Weekly
South Bank locals are turning to two established weekly 5k routes along the Thames for consistent outdoor training.
How we reported this
South Bank residents can now choose between Saturday morning runs at Jubilee Gardens or Potters Fields Park, both starting at 9am and covering flat 5k courses with river views.
July daylight hours and rising local interest in free fitness have drawn steady crowds to these spots, where participants register once through the national parkrun system and print or download a barcode for timing. The events operate year-round regardless of weather, providing a fixed routine that fits around work schedules near the South Bank cultural quarter.
Jubilee Gardens route details
The Jubilee Gardens event begins near the London Eye and follows the Thames Path westward toward Westminster Bridge before looping back, passing the Southbank Centre and the National Theatre. Runners share the path with cyclists but benefit from traffic-free sections closed to vehicles on event mornings. A second option at Potters Fields Park starts by City Hall and heads east along the riverbank toward Tower Bridge, offering a slightly quieter stretch with fewer tourists on the return leg.
Both locations sit within 400 metres of Waterloo and London Bridge stations, making access straightforward for commuters who finish shifts in the area. Organisers from the parkrun UK network maintain the courses with volunteer marshals at every turn, and results post online within hours of each finish.
Attendance figures and costs
Parkrun UK recorded an average of 287 finishers at the Jubilee Gardens event across the first six months of 2026, with the highest single-week turnout reaching 412 on 16 May. No entry fee applies, though some runners donate to a volunteer fund that covers barcode printing and timing equipment. The next events take place on 11 July at both sites, with registration open now through the parkrun website or app.
Participants are advised to arrive by 8:45am for a short briefing, wear a visible number if possible, and stay on the marked path to avoid conflicts with pedestrians. Those new to the format can walk the route first or pair with a friend for the initial attempt.