The new year is upon us and many people will be looking to make some positive changes at the beginning of the year.
A new year means new beginnings, and plenty of us will be looking to make resolutions to ensure a successful year. Surveys suggest 43 per cent of us are setting a new year's resolution, and of those many will be looking at health and fitness-related resolutions.
Losing weight, exercising more and eating healthier are typically top of people's agendas on January 1. If you're looking to do a bit of exercise, then running can be a great option. For newcomers, running can feel like a bit of a nightmare, but it has many benefits for both your physical and mental health.
Run entirely by volunteers, parkrun has been welcoming runners of all levels at its beautiful routes across the world for many years. It’s free to do and is a great way to introduce your body to running while training with others, you just need to register before turning up to any run.
Birmingham has a host of parkrun routes to choose from, so lace up your running shoes and get ready for your very first run!
So, let's take a look at seven of the best to get involved with this year. You can find out more about each run online, here.
1. Cannon Hill Park, Saturday at 9am
Cannon Hill Park provides a lovely scenic route while you exercise. And if you’re relatively new to the world of running, then the route around Cannon Hill Park could be the perfect first parkrun for you. With an average finish time of 27:53, the 5k route is entirely tarmac footpaths, so you don’t need to worry about taking on trail running too soon. It’s two-lap anti-clockwise route that starts off at the bandstand and passes some of the park’s most picturesque spots.
2. Perry Hall Park, Perry Barr, B42 1RS - Saturday 9am
This 3-lap course takes place every Saturday at 9:00am. Held in Perry Hall Park, it's a 5k route of mainly flat terrain through beautiful parkland. With an average finish time of 30:56, each lap that you complete on this parkrun will be slightly different, with runs over bridges, alongside the river and cricket pitches. The course is mainly flat and a mix of tarmac, gravel and grass pathways, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to build up your stamina and speed within your runs
3. Oaklands Recreation Ground - Saturday, 9am
For wheelchair users and those who run with a pushchair, the 5K parkrun at Oaklands Recreation Ground is a suitable choice. With an average finish time of 29:44, this route is three laps on concrete pathways, although, as with any parkrun, some parts of the route may be slightly muddy and accumulate leaves and puddles depending on the weather. Located next to the Swan Centre, you can join other runners for a post-run coffee at the Costa Coffee to refuel after your workout. Meet at Hob Moor Road, Yardley, B25 8UB
4. Woodgate Valley Country Park - Saturday 9am
If a more scenic run is something that appeals to you, then you might enjoy the route at Woodgate Valley Country Park. Holding an average finish time of 30:20, this route 5K route is a step up for beginners. It’s an out and back on permanent footpaths with an uphill section, finishing with a lap on grass. A post-run coffee is usually held at the Woodgate Valley Visitor Centre, but it is currently closed for now. Meet at Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS