New year, new you? Here’s your guide to the best running spots around Liverpool

With the turn of the new year, every student you know making healthy resolutions, and the lead up to the Liverpool Half Marathon, we’re all expecting to see lots of new runners around Liverpool this month. Whether you’re going for a nice jog with the girls or getting out for a mental health run, Liverpool is your oyster when it comes to scenic running routes.

I spent all of first year bumbling around the city cluelessly and I now feel qualified enough to recommend all the best places for running. Get those dusty trainers out of the bottom of your wardrobe and steal a pair of joggers from your housemates, because we’re taking it seriously this time with these incredible routes in and around the city.

Sefton Park

You just can’t go wrong with a classic like Sefton Park. With a beautiful lake and plenty of routes around the park, it makes for a perfect running spot as there are always new parts to explore. Easy to access for those in Smithdown, you could even cut through the graveyard – if you’re feeling brave enough. The park is also right next to Lark Lane, which is convenient for a post-run coffee just after you’ve doubled over in pain. There’s nothing worse than being out of breath and sweaty while ordering your matcha in Press Bros. Watch out for the pigeons though! They love to get in your way, especially by the lake.

Princes Park

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Fondly referred to by me as Sefton Park’s little brother, Princes Park sits right next to our beloved Sefton, and is slightly closer for anyone living near campus. The weekly Parkrun is held here every Saturday at 9am and is fairly popular, always achieving a good turnout – a good one to aim for if you’re a newbie to running. The little park is perfect for short runs, with a lake of its own, a play park and tennis courts too. It really goes all out for those of you looking to kickstart your 75 hard fitness girl era.

Wavertree Sports Park

Wavertree sports park is a decent sized park, super convenient if you’re in Smithdown and you want to get a run done quickly. Located behind Liverpool Aquatics centre, you could go for a gym or swim sesh after to really go all out for the new year. The park is apparently known as “The Mystery” as it was donated anonymously back in 1895 according to Liverpool City Council. Hopefully the spirits of past runners will spur us on a bit – it doesn’t sound creepy at all.

Royal Albert Docks

Everyone’s fan favourite has to be The Docks, right? It’s must-visit for runners in Liverpool in my opinion, and if you’re looking for that perfect aesthetically-pleasing running snap for your social media then this is the place to be. It’s beautiful on a sunny day, and still beautiful on a cloudy day. The Docks are perfect if you fancy a longer, more scenic run, and running down through Chinatown makes a nice route, or you could go via Otterspool Promenade for a long stretch along the waterfront.

Stanley Park and Everton Park

For any football fans, Stanley Park between Anfield and Goodison is a fun one to explore on a run. If you fancy double-parking yourself whilst you’re up that way, why not run through Everton Park too? The more the better. A hill with a vantage point in the middle of the park makes for the “greatest view in Liverpool” according to the information board right next to it. I won’t argue with that. On a clear day you can see past the Liverpool city centre and the Wirral to the mountains of Wales.

Crosby Beach

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to get out of the city, hop on a train and head to Crosby Beach. This is another Parkrun location, just a 20 minute train ride away from the city centre, and a truly wholesome day out. Crosby is a beautiful beach that provides a large open space to run on when the tide is out. Along the waterfront, to entertain you whilst on your run, you can spot the 100 cast-iron life-size sculptures by Antony Gormley. This is a great one to drag your friends along to, and there’s always the promise of grabbing a coffee from a quaint little spot along the beachfront afterwards.

There’s just something about running in Liverpool that ticks all the boxes for me. You can be a seasoned runner practicing for your next half-marathon, or a newbie testing out the waters of a Sunday morning job – all of these places are so scenic and perfect for clearing your mind going into the new year.