A couple of weeks ago, while visiting family in the UK, we spent a few days in my hometown of Shrewsbury – a picturesque, medieval market town nestled in a bend of the River Severn. With its Tudor buildings, winding alleys, and warm community feel, it’s a lovely place to grow up (and visit!). It’s friendly, walkable, affordable, and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

On the morning we left town, we decided to do our second-ever Parkrun,  a free, weekly timed 5K that takes place in hundreds of locations across the UK (and around the world). Our first Parkrun had been in Hampstead Heath, and I was excited to try one in Shrewsbury — especially since it takes place in The Quarry, the same park I walked through every day on my way to and from school.

The Quarry: A Green Gem in the Heart of Town

The Quarry is Shrewsbury’s central park, a 29-acre green space dating back to 1719. It’s home to tree-lined avenues, riverside paths, war memorials, and a bandstand, all wrapped around The Dingle — a stunning Victorian sunken garden designed by Percy Thrower. With the River Severn curving around its edge and views across to the town’s historic rooftops, it’s a beautiful place for a run.  I must’ve walked through the park thousands of times throughout my life, and as a child often played on the swings in the playground, or sat in the Boathouse pub garden with my parents.

The Start Line Buzz

Parkrun runners begin gathering near the beautiful old Victorian bandstand just before 9 a.m. for a short briefing. I was pleasantly surprised to see a dedicated first-timers’ welcome, where a volunteer explained the course and answered questions – a thoughtful and inclusive touch.

Before long, the paths were buzzing with hundreds of runners;  solo joggers, families, dogs on leads, and friends chatting before the start. I couldn’t believe how many people turned up over 500 most weeks, according to the Parkrun website! I had no idea there was such a vibrant running community in Shrewsbury.

We all made our way down the hill to Victoria Avenue by the river for the start line. At exactly 9 a.m., we were off.

A Scenic (and Surprisingly Hilly!) Course

The Shrewsbury Parkrun course is a mix of loops and an out-and-back segment, all on wide, paved paths. The route includes one lap of the park, a stretch along the river, and a second lap to finish. It’s a little hilly in places (more than I remembered!) but still suitable for buggies, kids, and dogs.

The course was exceptionally well organised, with marshals posted at every turn and junction. The volunteers were friendly and encouraging, cheering people on with words of encouragement. Spectators lined parts of the course too, clapping for friends and family.

We were lucky with the weather; cool, sunny, and ideal for running. It felt so special to be moving through such a familiar place with fresh eyes, enjoying it not just for nostalgia but for community and movement too.

A Friendly Finish

At the finish line, the volunteer team had everything running smoothly. Barcodes were scanned, times were logged, and runners were welcomed with high-fives and encouragement. To my surprise and delight, one of the volunteers recognised me from high school — more than 20 years ago! We had a lovely quick catch-up, which made the event even more special.

Most people head to a nearby café afterward for coffee and a chat which seems to be a key part of the Parkrun experience, but sadly we had to dash back to our Airbnb to pack and catch the train to Heathrow.

Why I Loved It

Shrewsbury Parkrun was everything I’d hoped it would be: welcoming, well-run, and full of good energy. It was also a meaningful way to reconnect with my hometown and to see how it continues to thrive.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, I’d definitely recommend making the Shrewsbury Parkrun part of your weekend. You could build a whole trip around it, explore the castle, take a river cruise, wander the independent shops and cafes,  or simply show up for the run and enjoy 5K of fresh air and friendly faces.

Parkrun is for everyone — walkers, joggers, and runners of all paces, and this one felt especially inclusive. If you’re looking for a low-pressure way to get moving, meet new people, or just start your Saturday on a high note, Parkrun is a brilliant place to begin.

On the train back to Heathrow, we learned from the email that PArk Run sends out after each race, that there had been over 600 runners, and I came second in my age group! A rare occurrence these days!

Useful Links:
🌳 Shrewsbury Parkrun – Official Event Page
🏃‍♀️ Parkrun UK – Find Your Local Event
🌸 The Quarry – Shrewsbury Town Council
🗺️ Visit Shrewsbury – Travel, Food, and Things to Do
🌼 Legacy of Percy Thrower & The Dingle