So we headed to Thames Path, Woolwich parkrun thinking that we were going to do one of two Curly Wurly courses. Seems that the friendly rivalry with Somerdale Pavilion parkrun must have come to an end and that they have decided that Thames Path parkrun is actually the Walnut Whip course!
Thames Path, James Clavell Square, Woolwich, SE18 6ST
The meeting point is 5 minutes from the start at James Clavell Square (w3w: ///tulip.patch.runner). Follow signs to Woolwich Royal Arsenal Pier from central Woolwich or ask for the Pier or statues. A nice little touch is that the statues are wearing hi-vis volunteer jackets!
Location of Thames Path, Woolwich parkrun
With Thames Path, Woolwich parkrun being one of the London parkruns we made the decision to use public transport and stay overnight near the start of the course. Also Woolwich is inside the ULEZ charging zone (which you pay online).
Public Transport
We used the underground – using the Circle and Elizabeth lines from Victoria Coach Station. Getting off at Woolwich itself. Alternatively Woolwich Arsenal DLR and mainline stations are a 5-minute walk.
- The Thames Clippers Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) Pier is right beside the finish and can be used to return to central London after parkrun. There isn’t one that arrives on time in the morning in time for parkrun.
- Also accessible by the number 17 but and Cycleway 14. If flying in the nearest airport is London City – which is 2 stops from Woolwich Arsenal on the DLR.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Premier Inn a stone’s throw from Woolwich tube station, and just a five minute walk away from the meeting point. It also meant we could go back for breakfast after parkrun and get washed before the noon checkout.
Note that the hotel receptionist just took our payment for breakfast and not actually booked us in. However, the kind lady managed to squeeze us in. Also worth mentioning that the hotel also has (chargeable) parking too.
Other Parking
Nearby there are many shops and attractions. This includes Europe’s largest Tesco’s (Woolwich) – where parking is recommended on the Thames Path parkrun page: SE18 6EF – the second floor, free for three hours. Then allow a 10-15 minute walk from there.
Or if coming from the North there’s paid parking at Store Road (E16 2GN) using the pay-by-phone app. Then use the Woolwich Foot Tunnel, allowing plenty of time as it is rare both tunnel lifts work. That the Woolwich Ferry is often closed at weekends.
Facilities
Toilets are available at Woolwich Works from 8.30 am. Use the small door nearest to the statues to access the toilets before 9.00 am. Again our hotel was close enough we just went there.
Post Run Coffee
Post-parkrun coffee is in the Visitors Book Cafe, inside Woolwich Works. Free coffee for volunteers thanks to House of Denna. We didn’t attend on Pacer Week but Pacers are requested NOT to ask for a free coffee please.
We discovered that there is a McDonald’s within walking distance too.
Thames Path, Woolwich parkrun Course
You are walked up to the start in time for parkrun to begin at 9. Therefore do not turn up at the meeting point late! The course starts on the lower Thames Path level (w3W jumps.seats.sits). This is between Woolwich Arsenal Pier and Gallions Reach Park to the east.
The route curls round to a turnaround point on the top of the mound in Gallions Reach Park. Then you retrace the route back down the mound, out of the park and head west along the upper Thames, finishing at Woolwich Arsenal Pier.
Other Things to Know
- You’ll be pleased to know that you only have to do this once!
- The route is on paved, tarmac and mud paths.
- Participants are asked to keep left the run director kindly mentioned about people overtaking as well as coming in the opposite direction.
- Keep OFF the cycle paths – some are electric bikes and come VERY fast!
- Single buggies are okay but not doubles (am assuming this means side-by-sides!)
Experience at Thames Path, Woolwich parkrun
Thames Path, Woolwich parkrun was very friendly. After clear first timers briefing we moved down to the start area where the main briefing was held. Despite not setting off first, our son was easily able to get to the front before it began.
Some people were starting up the ramp and some along the path, meaning that they had to merge. But despite this there wasn’t a bottle neck and we all began moving and were off fairly quickly.
Our quickest son did indeed get back down to the bottom of the mound by the time I reached the bottom to go up!
All four of us had a nice run, with no negative feedback.
Jeffing at Thames Path, Woolwich parkrun
In all honesty I could have probably started Jeffing from the off. As it was I waited until the second walk alert (2 1/1 minutes in) just to make sure that I was definitely not in anyone’s way.
It was a really hot day, and even the coolness of the river didn’t do a lot. So it was on this first time I walked that I stuffed my vest top into my skort pocket! At one point, on the way back on the top path, there was a welcome bit of shade.
It was also at this point that I was encouraged to keep on going, and not sprint. These ladies meant well and were very nice. We had a chat at the end. Despite the heat I did manage to sprint finish at the end. Well sort of. It was further away than I anticipated so started a bit soon! However, I didn’t give up running just slowed down a bit.
Thames Path parkrun Stats Event 61
- There were 260 participants. 151 male, 95 female and 14 unscanned.
- The 5K App was down and unfortunately a lot of people have come to rely on it for many things including their barcode. It is advised that you have an alternative but you can also access it from some of the other Apps, or your parkrun page/e-mail.
- Times Ranged between 16:49-1:09:50
- 17 first time to parkrun; 73 tourists and 37 PBs.
- 166 sub 30. Average finish by event 61 was 30:14
First Finishers
Lewis Baker 16:49 VM35-39 78.89%
Lucy Victoria Naga 19:39 SW25-29 75.32%
Highest Age Grade
Ian Sadler 79.63% (19:58 VM55-59)
Lucy Victoria Naga 75.32% (19:39 SW25-29)
Milestones
- 25 Avinash Pinjarkar
- 50 David Bagdan, Paul Sanders
- 250 Michael Dunbar
Most parkruns
- Kevan Wilkinson 528 parkruns
- Lizzie Wilkinson 567 parkruns
See also Victoria Dock parkrun (2.6m) and other parkrun reviews
It’s nice to do another London parkrun and it’s good that your hotel was so close by. Well done to you all!