Running in Ely.
The cathedral city that gives the Isle of Ely its name — built on a 23-square-mile island of Kimmeridge Clay rising about 85 feet above the surrounding Fens, the highest ground in the Fens. Ely Cathedral (begun 1083, famous for its 14th-century octagon lantern tower) is nicknamed "The Ship of the Fens". The River Great Ouse runs along the eastern edge of the city with a working marina.
Ely has its own running club — Ely Runners — meeting locally rather than in a neighbouring town.
Ely has its own parkrun, Ben's Yard parkrun, Ely, every Saturday at 9am — free, timed, and open to anyone. A separate Ely Country junior parkrun (2km) runs on Sundays at Ely Country Park.
Where people actually run around Ely: Ely Cathedral and River Trail, Ely Ouse Riverside Path, Roswell Pits Nature Reserve, Ely Country Park, Fen Rivers Way (Ely section).
Run clubs
Founded 1985, 300+ members, based at the Paradise Centre, Newnham Street, Ely. Tuesday evening (two interval groups plus a steady group), Thursday evening (two steady groups plus an interval group), Friday morning easy social run, Sunday morning run; beginners' programme offered.
Run a club based in Ely?
Claim or add your clubWhere people run in Ely
Ely Cathedral and River Trail
Circular route starting by the cathedral, down through Cherry Hill Park and Jubilee Gardens to the Great Ouse riverside, then out along the north bank through water meadows and reed beds to Roswell Pits and back via Ely Country Park.
Ely Ouse Riverside Path
Riverside path/promenade along the Great Ouse past Jubilee Gardens, the Maltings and the marina — flat, traffic-free, popular with runners and walkers.
Roswell Pits Nature Reserve
A 20-acre former clay-pit reserve on the riverbank a short walk/run north of the city centre, managed by the Environment Agency, with paths through woodland and wetland.
Ely Country Park
Riverside park on the edge of the city, start/finish point of the Ely Country junior parkrun and a link between the riverside path and Roswell Pits.
Fen Rivers Way (Ely section)
The ~48-mile Cambridge-to-King's-Lynn long-distance path along the Cam and Great Ouse runs directly through Ely, continuing north to Littleport and Downham Market.
Races in and around Ely
Runners in Ely
Common questions
Is there a running club in Ely?
Yes — Ely Runners.
Is there a parkrun near Ely?
Yes — Ben's Yard parkrun, Ely, every Saturday at 9am.
What's the terrain like for running in Ely?
A mix, based on what's documented around Ely: Mostly flat and easy, one climb back up through Jubilee Park to the cathedral; Flat, paved/gravel; Flat, unpaved trail paths; Flat, mixed surface; Flat throughout.
Where do people run in Ely?
Ely Cathedral and River Trail, Ely Ouse Riverside Path, Roswell Pits Nature Reserve, Ely Country Park, Fen Rivers Way (Ely section).
Are there any races near Ely?
Yes — Verus tracks 2 races in or near Ely, listed below.