London's running community has welcomed a vibrant new addition to its weekly calendar: the Greenwich Peninsula parkrun. Launched in late November 2025, this free, timed 5k event is now established as the capital's newest official parkrun, offering participants a spectacular riverside course every Saturday morning.
A Scenic Route Along The Thames
The course is a highlight for both seasoned runners and casual joggers, providing absolutely stunning views of the River Thames. Participants follow a path that passes major landmarks including the imposing O2 Arena and offers vistas across the water to East India Quay. The route also winds past several striking pieces of public art, such as the Quantum Cloud and Hydra & Kali sculptures, blending culture with cardio.
Organisers describe the event as a fun and friendly community gathering where people are free to walk, jog, run, or simply spectate. It begins at 9am each Saturday, aligning with the standard start time for all London parkrun events.
Navigating The Greenwich Peninsula Course
The specific route details ensure a smooth experience for all attendees. The course starts on the Greenwich Peninsula path near the North Greenwich boat pier. Runners first proceed along the lower path before returning on the top path to a designated turnaround point.
From there, participants retrace their steps towards the Greenwich Yacht Club, which acts as the final turnaround. On the return leg, everyone stays on the left to safely reach the finish point, which is also located near the North Greenwich boat pier, completing a well-marshalled loop.
The Vital Role of Volunteers
This new event's launch comes at a time when the parkrun network is highlighting the essential need for volunteers. Parkrun is an entirely free event run by volunteers, and its sustainability relies entirely on community support.
Earlier in the same week, the organisers of the popular Victoria Dock parkrun in Newham announced its permanent closure. They issued a heartfelt farewell, stating it had become impossible to run the event sustainably due to a critical lack of volunteer support. This underscores the importance of community involvement to keep these cherished weekly fixtures alive.
For those interested in joining the Greenwich Peninsula parkrun or any other event, registration is mandatory at parkrun.org.uk. All participants must bring their personal barcode, either digital or printed, to receive an official timed result.
