parkrun Tourism at Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun

Continuing with our parkrun tourism this year, Stuart and I decided to go to Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun. This was my NENDY (nearest event not done yet). If you’re not sure where the nearest event is that you haven’t already run, visit the parkrun Tourist Tool.

What’s the course like?

I had read that some of the course is on a compacted gravel path. However, the weather conditions meant that it was dry, dusty loose gravel, which is not an easy surface to push a buggy on. It was a hot and sunny day and there was no breeze, which made the run harder.

The course is next to the motorway, but as it’s below the level of the road, you hardly notice it. The initial section is on a tarmac cycle path. It’s beautifully smooth, but a bit narrow. It’s an out and back that includes a short bridge and an underpass, before heading onto the gravel path.

The gravel section is an out and back around the side of the lake. M enjoyed trying to spot ducks. She was out of luck, but there were a lot of Canada geese.

Buggy running competition

I think I was the 4th buggy finisher. I was incredibly impressed by the first buggy finisher as it was a man pushing a double buggy – it looked like he finished in a quick time. There was a fast man with a buggy who I passed on an out and back section. Judging by his pace, I think he must have started late. I think I may have ‘won’ my niche today by being the first female buggy runner!

Official results

I was quite pleased with my official time for Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun. It was just under 33 minutes, which isn’t terribly fast but is one of the best times that I’ve run with a buggy this year.

After the run, I needed to lie in the shade for a few minutes to cool down. The parkrun is located next to an office complex, so not only is there plenty of free parking, but there’s also a choice of post-run refreshment venues. Weirdly the Co-op is only open Monday-Friday, but we could go to Costa or Starbucks. It was also possible to visit a hairdresser. It was just a shame that there’s no playground nearby. 

Did you parkrun today? Where?