Grab your running shoes explore some of Surrey’s fantastic trails and running routes. Personal trainer Helen Taranowski asks five local runners about their favourite places to run in Surrey, and trust me, you'll be spoilt for choice!
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Box Hill
Louise recommends Box Hill:
There is a reason why Box Hill in Surrey is the only location for ‘fell racing’ in the South-East of England – its steep hills! It’s hard work to climb to the top whether you choose a shorter steep ascent or a longer route with a slightly easier gradient.
However, be careful - some of the trails are quite uneven and can get boggy after rain, so trail running shoes are recommended. The climb can be quite grueling, but you do reach the top, the views are worth every second of the effort. Because of the views, it’s a route that I consider to be the best. Plus, you'll be putting your strength and stamina to the test! You can do it!
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Richmond Park
Riel recommends Richmond Park:
Whatever the weather, the season or the distance you want to run, Richmond Park is superb. The scenery is lovely with a pleasant mix of wooded areas and open spaces where you will often get close to the grazing deer.
The Tamsin Trail runs a whole lap of the park and is around seven miles long. A network of off-road trails criss-crosses the park so you can run a small circular route or do laps of a bigger loop for longer runs. My favourite time to run in the park is late spring – it’s just so full of life.
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Bushy Park
Matt recommends Bushy Park:
Although Bushy Park is smaller than its Richmond neighbour, it holds plenty of challenges for experienced runners and beginners alike within its seven-mile perimeter. It is flat and fast, and I enjoy the way the tarmac and gravel paths intricately link together, so you can run one easy mile or ten ambitious ones, depending on how fit you’re feeling.
That makes it perfect for building up training ahead of a big race. The parkland scenery is inspirational at any time of year, but my favourite time is when balmy late summer evenings begin to give way to fresh autumnal weather and you often find yourself running through a carpet of crisp, orange-hued leaves.
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Epsom Downs Racecourse
Paul recommends the Epsom Downs:
The area around Epsom Downs has plenty to offer for runners. There are wide footpaths across the Downs, pretty woodland trails and quiet country lanes.
Even on a short run, the view is ever-changing. There is also an abundance of woods close by, including Newton Wood and Nower Wood, that provide welcome shade when the weather is too hot.
You can easily link up routes through the woods and across the Downs if you fancy a longer run. I love the fact that there are so many route options in this area – I never get bored!
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