We headed to West Links parkrun as we wanted to do one in Scotland and collect a new flag. As it was our anniversary weekend we wanted somewhere to stay over and celebrate. It was also a good way for my husband to drive his new to him car a good distance.
Personally I wanted one that ticked off some parkrun challenges and where I could go for a swim. So when other parkrun tourists we knew said they were headed there it made sense. Obviously also ticking off our first compass challenge too.
West Links Park, Queen’s Drive, Arbroath, DD11 1QD
9:30am start
Facilities at West Links parkrun
Accessible by bus, car, bike (bring your own lock), train or plane!
- Free parking
- Toilets
- Play area
- Mini Cars
- Skateboard ramp
- Paddling pool
- Sea
- Shops across the road (including somewhere to get things if you forgot your swim stuff!)
The Course
A flat out-and-back Angus Coastal Path within West Links Park and Elliot Links Nature Reserve. Strava recorded an elevation gain of 12m. Mostly tarmac with some hard packed gravel.
Lot of headwind on the way out but the wind had dropped by the way back so just felt hot. There was just a drizzle of rain but that was after I had finished.
Dog friendly course.
My Experience at West Links parkrun
Atmosphere
Obviously it was wonderful to meet up with other parkrun tourists, so naturally going to be friendly from the off. Plus I got to meet some incredible people for the first time. But also overall it was a really lovely parkrun.
Plus it was great to put faces to names such as Alex Latham. He was completing his 7th compass. This has taken him to 2nd in the league of most compasses finished!
Also it was nice to see Wendy again who signed the first timers briefing. Love it when she discovers that there are people attending who benefit from what she does too, as you never know when there will be someone who needs it.
The Run Itself
After the briefings we were told to start based on our expected finish position. With 30 minutes being about the middle. But honestly it was then GO before we had chance to so much as get on the path!
However, it did seem to move okay and we all got moving. In the distance ahead I saw a runner I knew was faster than me and decided just to try and keep them in my sights. Next my husband did his usual, “hello dear” overtake of me. But then I noticed I was actually overtaking the speedy runner. Thinking I will just hang in there as long as I can.
Turn Around
Just before the turn around point I saw my husband coming back the other way. Obviously we told each other well done. It was nice on the way back for us all to be passing one another and be encouraging.
Giving Up
There was a lady in front of me and I just kept trying to stick with her. But by 3.7km she moved out to the side and sped up. Feeling like I was only just hanging on I felt that she was going to get even faster for the last km and I had to let her go!
Managed to run until 4km whereby I gave up and walked. Still managed a 5k PB best of 2026 (again according to Strava). It was my second best parkrun time this year. Managed a slow sprint finish but I was done in so am actually impressed that I did that.
After The Run
When I had finished I just needed to sit down but had to go around and find somewhere as the nearest seats were taped off. This is probably to stop people being in the way of the finish. Once I recovered and scanned I went back to run in with one of the other tourists we know.
Other Things to Know
- It was the one million parkrun events worldwide weekend
- Scotland were playing their first game in the World Cup and even got a Bank Holiday on the Monday due to it. They also won so lots of celebrating.
- The sea was 13 degrees (and easy to get in and out of).
West Links parkrun Stats June 13th 2026
Attending were 186 finishers at West Links parkrun that Saturday. More than usual. Apparently the biggest attendance since last Christmas Day.
- Times ranged 18:28-1:06:30
- First lady in a time of 21:56
- Highest age grade of 76.65% was in the VW65-69 age category. A time of 27:16. In 65th postion.
- Highest male age grade was actually a JM10 (73.07%) in a time of 21:36. Luckily for him his accompanying adult has a course PB of 19:45.
Personally I finished in 70th position and age grade of 59.41%.
There were:
- 7 sub 20
- 45 sub 25
- 96 sub 30
With:
- 3 very first timers to parkrun
- 40 tourists
- Also 22 PBs.
Our closest parkrun we had previously done was no-where near this one!!
Visit these other bloggers who cover parkrun: Sarah at Mum of Three World, Jackie at Never Imitate and Chrissy at It’s Me Chrissy J and Nickie at I am Typecast