Whether you're new to running and seeking beginner-friendly events near you, or on a mission to collect as many parkruns as you can, here are 13 parkrun events in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds — offering free 5k events for all ages and abilities every week.
Make sure to register at parkrun.org.uk and bring your scannable barcode along to the event.
Cheltenham parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Pittville Park in Cheltenham — the event starts by the Pavillion on the cycle path.
Why go? Attracting big crowds of runners and spectators every week, there's a great community spirit on this three-lap course; with runners usually grabbing a coffee from the Leisure at Cheltenham cafe afterwards. It's also a firm SoGlos team favourite — you might even spot MD James Fyrne volunteering!
Mallards Pike parkrun, Forest of Dean
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Mallards Pike in the Forest of Dean, just a short walk from the main car park.
Why go? Beautifully maintained by Forestry England, Mallards Pike's tarmac trails offer the stunning scenery of a forest run without the uneven, mixed terrain. For a post-run treat, head to the Mallards Pike Cafe — and ask for details of the parkrun special!
Gloucester City parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Gloucester Park — runners usually meet at the bandstand.
Why go? Ideal for beginners, this flat, four-lap course follows the perimeter of the park — with the perfect set-up for a sprint finish past the aviary, if you're feeling speedy! As a bonus, you're really close to Gloucester Docks and its plethora of restaurants, for a slap-up breakfast when you finish.
Newent parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Newent Community School and Freedom Leisure Newent — meet outside the sports bar.
Why go? Run across school playing fields, through woodland routes and scramble up the 'muddy bank' on this dynamic, mixed terrain course. Just note that due to taking place on school grounds, this parkrun isn't suitable for runners with dogs.
Forest of Dean parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Coverham Enclosure Five Acres, next to Five Acres High School
Why go? Transforming with the seasons (both overhead and underfoot!) you'll get a different experience each time you run the original Forest of Dean parkrun, which is set underneath a canopy of ancient trees once used to build Tudor warships.
Stratford Park parkrun, Stroud
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Stratford Park in Stroud, starting from near the bandstand.
Why go? It's a hilly one, but worth it for a picturesque run that takes your through the park, its arboretum, woodland areas and an open field with views across the Stroud valleys. Brave runners can even cool off with a post-run dip in the refreshing — but unheated — waters of Stratford Park Lido in the spring and summer months.
Lydney parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Lydney Boating Lake, just off Lakeside Gardens in Lydney.
Why go? Run laps around Lydney's pretty boating lake, following a quiet canal path and woodland trails along this scenic course. It's also a great parkrun for spectators, with plenty of benches to take a seat by the lakeside and cheer on the runners, too.
Tewkesbury parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? The Vineyards in Tewkesbury — you can park for free at Tewkesbury Rugby Club, with the event starting just next to the side entrance of the car park.
Why go? Soak up views of the stunning Tewkesbury Abbey while completing four laps of the course, run entirely on grass; with post-parkrun coffees at Tewkesbury Rugby Club for a caffeine-boost.
Cirencester parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Royal Agricultural University — starting near the main car park, just off Stroud Road.
Why go? Set in the charming grounds of RAU's historic campus, this three-lap course takes runners off-road for a scenic morning run through fields and an orchard. Join fellow parkrunners for a coffee in the RAU dining room afterwards.
Stonehouse parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Oldends Lane Playing Fields in Stonehouse — meet near the skatepark.
Why go? Comprising four flat laps, this course has great PB potential! Runners usually bring their own flasks for a post-run coffee and chat at the finish line, with refreshments often available at the nearby football club during the winter months, too.
Wotton parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Wotton Community PARC in Wotton-under-Edge — the run starts next to the 3G football pitch.
Why go? One of Gloucestershire's most scenic parkruns, this course follows mostly off-road trails through the 38-acre Wotton Community PARC — a charity-run initiative that provides sports and leisure facilities to Wotton and its surrounding villages.
Wolford Wood parkrun, Moreton-in-Marsh
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Wolford Wood in Moreton-in-Marsh — to get to the start area from the car park, head through the five-bar gate and bear left.
Why go? Highly recommended for trail runners, this scenic course follows grass trails around a Site of Special Scientific Interest, taking in wildflower meadows and well-established woodland. The mixed terrain can pose a challenge for runners with buggies and pushchairs, though!
Berkeley Green parkrun
When? Every Saturday at 9am
Where? Berkeley Green Science and Technology Park
Why go? Parkrun on the site of a former nuclear power station? Say no more! This is a truly unique course which is getting a facelift from January 2025 — comprising two laps, starting outside the old gatehouse and finishing by the SGS building — as Berkeley Green's new owners take over.
