Running in Peterborough.
Peterborough is a cathedral city and unitary authority on the River Nene, on the edge of the Fens. Designated a New Town in 1967, it grew rapidly through planned townships — Bretton, Orton, Paston, Werrington — built to take London's overspill population. Its running scene centres on Nene Park: 500-plus-acre Ferry Meadows and the rowing-lake circuit at Thorpe Meadows, both a short distance from Peterborough Cathedral in the compact city centre.
Peterborough has its own running club — Peterborough & Nene Valley Athletics Club (PANVAC) and Werrington Joggers and Bushfield Joggers and PACTRAC — Peterborough Area Combined Triathlon Club — meeting locally rather than in a neighbouring town.
Peterborough has its own parkrun, Ferry Meadows parkrun, every Saturday at 9am — free, timed, and open to anyone. Two junior parkruns also run in the city on Sundays: Bretton Park junior parkrun (North Bretton) and Central Park junior parkrun (city centre).
Where people actually run around Peterborough: Ferry Meadows / Nene Park, Thorpe Meadows, The Green Wheel, Bretton Park, Cuckoo's Hollow, Werrington.
Run clubs
Formed 1 October 2019 from the merger of Peterborough AC and Nene Valley Harriers (each 40-plus years old). Based at the Embankment Athletics Track, Bishop's Road; also uses Boston Princess Royal Stadium for some sessions. Track & field, road running (5K to marathon) and cross country, ages 9 up through masters.
Based at Werrington Leisure Centre. Meets Tuesday evenings (juniors 6-7pm ages 9-16, seniors from 6:45pm) and Sunday mornings at 9am for cross-country-style runs of 6-12 miles. Runs summer/winter handicap races on Thursday nights around Cuckoo's Hollow. Competes in the Cambs Road League, Frostbite League and Peterborough Grand Prix. Registered charity No. 1136937.
A small, friendly club of around 100 members based at Vivacity Bushfield Leisure Centre, near the Orton Centre. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15pm. Member of the Greater Peterborough Athletics Network (GPAN) and competes in the Frostbite League.
British Triathlon-affiliated club based around Peterborough and Oundle, running since 1985, for juniors (8-16) and seniors. Coached swim sessions Mondays and Wednesdays at Oundle School Sports Centre; cycling arranged informally, plus winter Zwift sessions. Runners use the Frostbite League and GPAN's Wednesday track sessions.
Run a club based in Peterborough?
Claim or add your clubWhere people run in Peterborough
Ferry Meadows / Nene Park
The heart of Peterborough's running scene: a 658-acre country park about 3 miles west of the city centre, with conjoined lakes linked to the River Nene. Hosts Ferry Meadows parkrun every Saturday and several organised road races on its hard-standing looped paths.
Thorpe Meadows
Home of Peterborough City Rowing Club's purpose-built lake since 1983. The riverside paths and 5.3km loop around the rowing lake and River Nene are used for the Phoenix Running Meadow Run and Vivacity's free weekly beginner running sessions.
The Green Wheel
An orbital network of cycleways, footpaths and bridleways circling Peterborough — roughly 45-50 miles depending on how the linked sections are counted. Runs west along the River Nene towards Ferry Meadows and through villages including Marholm, Etton, Castor and Ailsworth.
Bretton Park
A 64.1-acre green space in the centre of North Bretton, one of the New Town townships built from the late 1960s onward. Has an outdoor gym, play area and adjoining woodland; hosts Bretton Park junior parkrun on Sunday mornings.
Cuckoo's Hollow, Werrington
A lake and footpath/cycleway area in Werrington, created in the late 1970s from former pastureland, now a wildlife spot linked by cycle routes to Gunthorpe and Bretton. Used by Werrington Joggers for their Thursday-night summer/winter handicap races.
Races in and around Peterborough
Runners in Peterborough
Common questions
Is there a running club in Peterborough?
Yes — Peterborough & Nene Valley Athletics Club (PANVAC) and Werrington Joggers and Bushfield Joggers and PACTRAC — Peterborough Area Combined Triathlon Club.
Is there a parkrun near Peterborough?
Yes — Ferry Meadows parkrun, every Saturday at 9am.
What's the terrain like for running in Peterborough?
A mix, based on what's documented around Peterborough: Mostly flat, hard-standing paths and tracks through meadow, lake-side and light woodland; a 5km loop is the standard race/parkrun measure.; Tarmac path plus some grass and a short wooded trail section; broadly flat with one short, steeper rise.; Mixed surface — cycleway, footpath and quiet lane sections linking the city to surrounding countryside and villages.; Park paths and grass, mostly flat, with adjoining woods.; Footpaths and cycle route around a lake; flat..
Where do people run in Peterborough?
Ferry Meadows / Nene Park, Thorpe Meadows, The Green Wheel, Bretton Park, Cuckoo's Hollow, Werrington.
Are there any races near Peterborough?
Yes — Verus tracks 1 race in or near Peterborough, listed below.