Fitness
The UK's best running tracks
Want to set a new pace in more professional environs? Hoping a bit of history will rub off? Here are the best running tracks up and down the land.
Hitting the running trails is great if you’re based in the sticks, but when you have rush-hour city traffic to compete with, the appeal of lacing up and getting outside is lessened somewhat. Likewise, pounding away on a treadmill for an hour is the fitness equivalent of watching paint dry, and possibly the reason so many weights-room bros avoid cardio altogether.
There is, however, another option. Running tracks across the country can help you get your cardio back on track, with athletics-inspired clubs to push you to a new PB. Here are some of the best worth pitting mind and body against.
1. Manchester Regional Arena, Manchester
Located on the renowned SportCity campus, this indoor arena hosted the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Today you can run indoors on an 8 lane 400m track, or outside on a 4 lane 200m track and 8 lane 60m sprint track.
As well as facilities for long-jump and javelin, there’s enough seating for 6,500 spectators, although we’re not sure your training sessions will be quite that box office.
2. Lee Valley Athletics Centre, London
Deep in the 'how good was the summer of 2012?' part of Stratford, the Lee Valley centre boasts a 200m indoor track and a 400m outdoor track.
In short, this is the place to go for year-round training in some of the best facilities in the country.
If you’re looking to join a club, it’s worth trying out for the Enfield and Haringey Athletics Club, which has training sessions there on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9.30pm.
3. Nethercraigs Running Track, Glasgow
This 400m outdoor track may be difficult to brave in the depths of a Scottish winter (or summer, for that matter) but make the journey to the track at the Leisure Centre and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most relaxed tracks in the country.
Open seven days a week (from 2pm on Tuesdays and Friday, and 9am every other day), access is on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning there’s no upfront commitment, other than the one you made to your fitness.
The club also boasts a fitness studio, 5, 7 and 11 a-side synthetic football pitches as well as grass rugby and football facilities – ideal if you want to put your new sprinting power into practice.
4. Saughton Sports Complex, Edinburgh
With a 400 metre, 6 lane track, Edinburgh’s Saughton facility can hold its own with any in the country. Surrounded by green fields and trees, it’s also the perfect place to get your head in the game, away from the bustle of the city.
Opening hours are 9am to 10pm during the week, meaning that post-work session is up for grabs. At the weekend, hours are 8.30am to 6pm.
5. Paddington Recreation Ground, London
Another beneficiary of London 2012's legacy, the outdoor Paddington ground is located in the leafy surrounds of Maida Vale Park. As such, it should offer a degree of relative piece and quiet year round, and with training in nature proven to enhance mood, it’s worth making this a regular haunt.
There’s also room for hammer throwing, discus spinning and long jump if you want to mix up your routine. If you really want to up your game, join the Serpentine Running Club here most Tuesdays between 5 and 7pm.
6. Linford Christie Athletics Track, London
Located in West London (get off the tube at East Acton) this 8-lane, outdoor park has been in business since 1967.
While it’s unlikely you’ll see titular hero Christie running laps, the Thames Valley Harriers do train here on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 6 and 8.30pm, and on Sundays, too, giving you something to aspire to whether you're training towards the four-minute mile or just trying to get around 400 metres.
7. Mary Peters Track, Belfast
With 8 lanes, this outdoor track in the Northern Irish capital can cater to any and all of your running ambitions, from training for a half marathon to shaving down your 5K time.
While all are welcome, it’s best to book the track in advance by emailing info@marypeterstrack.com. And, if you’re looking for a club to train with, you’ll be happy to know there are currently nine clubs that call the track home.
8. National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC), Cardiff
As the name suggests, the NIAC is almost as state-of-the-art as they come. In fact, it was the first purpose built indoor athletics track in the UK. Here you’ll find a 200m banked track, a 9-lane 60m sprint track, 6 lanes of 140metres and facilities for long and triple jumps, along with pole vault and high jump pits.
If trying out all of that has left you worse for wear, the onsite physiotherapy treatment area will have you ready for the start line again in no time at all.
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9. Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London
A lot of money was sunk into the capital’s sporting facilities around the time of the 2012 games, and the outdoor Crystal Palace centre is well worth a visit as a result.
As well as the eight running lanes, there are also facilities for hammer throwing, long jump and discus. But leave the javelin at home. Located close to the Crystal Palace Overground station, the ground is open throughout the week, but for best results, try out for the Blackheath & Bromley Harriers Athletics Club, which trains at the centre every Tuesday evening.
10. John Charles Centre for Sport, Leeds
They don’t do things by halves in Yorkshire. This outdoor running facility boasts an 8 lane track, as well as a 50 metre, 6 lane indoor sprinting track which can be used for hurdles and strength and conditioning training, too. A pool, tennis courts and a bowls facility rounds out the attraction.
The local club, Leeds City athletics club, meets every Tuesday from 6.30 to 9.pm. and welcomes athletes from age 8 upwards. Just don’t let the little ones outpace you.
