Every Parkrun in Newcastle and Gateshead: The Complete Guide
Newcastle and Gateshead are home to some of the best parkrun events in the North East. Whether you are a seasoned runner chasing a personal best or a complete beginner looking to get moving on a Saturday morning, there is a free, timed 5K waiting for you.
This guide covers all six active adult parkruns and both junior parkruns across the two cities, with everything you need to know before your first (or next) run.
What Is parkrun?
For the uninitiated, parkrun is a free, weekly, community event held every Saturday morning at 9am. There is no cost, no time limit, and no pressure. Walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers are all welcome. Junior parkrun events take place on Sunday mornings at 9am and are open to children aged 4 to 14.
To take part, you need to register once at parkrun.org.uk and print your personal barcode. Bring that barcode to any parkrun event in the country and your time will be recorded. It really is that simple.
Newcastle Parkruns
Newcastle offers three adult parkrun events, each with its own distinct character. Between them, they cater to every ability level.
Town Moor Parkrun
Location: Near Exhibition Park, NE2 4PZ Terrain: Gravel and tarmac | Profile: Flat | Laps: Single loop Accessibility: Buggy-friendly and wheelchair-friendly More info: parkrun.org.uk/townmoor
Town Moor parkrun is the most accessible event in Newcastle and one of the flattest in the region. The single 5K loop takes runners across the expansive Town Moor, a vast area of common land just north of the city centre that has been grazed by cattle for centuries. The mix of gravel and tarmac surfaces is well-maintained, making this an excellent choice for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and anyone who prefers a straightforward, fast course.
The flat profile makes Town Moor particularly popular with runners targeting PBs, and the open landscape offers wide views across to the city skyline. It is a brilliant starting point for anyone new to parkrun.
Jesmond Dene Parkrun
Location: Near Pets' Corner, Jesmond Dene, NE7 7BQ Terrain: Trail paths | Profile: Hilly with 21 steps | Laps: Out and back Accessibility: NOT buggy-friendly More info: parkrun.org.uk/jesmonddene
Jesmond Dene parkrun is a world away from the flat expanses of Town Moor. The course winds through one of Newcastle's most beautiful green spaces, a narrow, wooded valley that was gifted to the city by Lord Armstrong in 1883. Mature trees, a stream, and Victorian-era stonework make this feel more like a countryside trail run than a city event.
The route includes 21 steps and some notable hills, so this is not one for buggies or wheelchairs. What it lacks in accessibility it makes up for in atmosphere. The dene is sheltered from wind and stunning in every season, from the bluebells of spring to the rich colours of autumn. Expect a genuine workout and some of the most scenic running in any English city.
Leazes Parkrun
Location: Leazes Park, near St James' Park, NE2 4BJ Terrain: Tarmac | Profile: Undulating | Laps: 3 laps Accessibility: Buggy-friendly More info: parkrun.org.uk/leazes
Leazes Park sits in the shadow of St James' Park, home of Newcastle United, making this the most central parkrun in the city. The course consists of three undulating laps on tarmac paths through one of Newcastle's oldest public parks, opened in 1873.
The gentle hills add variety without being punishing, and the tarmac surface keeps things accessible for buggies and runners of all abilities. The proximity to the city centre means it is easy to reach by public transport or on foot, and the park itself offers a pleasant mix of open grass, mature trees, and a lake. After your run, the cafes and bakeries of the city centre are just minutes away.
Denton Dene Parkrun
Location: Denton Dene, Denton Road, Scotswood, NE15 7HB Terrain: Tarmac with grass section | Profile: Undulating | Laps: 2 laps out-and-back Accessibility: NOT buggy-friendly More info: parkrun.org.uk/dentondene
Denton Dene parkrun is the newest addition to Newcastle's parkrun scene, set in a wooded dene valley in the city's west end. The two-lap out-and-back course is mostly on tarmac paths but includes some uneven sections and a small grass area. The undulating terrain makes it more challenging than the flatter city courses, but the sheltered dene setting and mature woodland provide a pleasant, green environment that feels surprisingly rural for its urban location.
Gateshead Parkruns
Cross the Tyne and you will find two more adult parkrun events in Gateshead, offering contrasting experiences.
Gateshead Parkrun (Saltwell Park)
Location: Saltwell Park, NE9 5AX Terrain: Tarmac | Profile: Undulating | Laps: 3+ laps Accessibility: Buggy-friendly More info: parkrun.org.uk/gateshead
Saltwell Park is often described as the "People's Park" of Gateshead, and for good reason. This magnificent Victorian park features a boating lake, ornamental gardens, a pets' corner, and Saltwell Towers at its heart. The parkrun course takes in over three laps on tarmac paths, winding through the park's best features.
The surface is well-suited to buggies and the course, while undulating, is manageable for all abilities. Saltwell Park has won multiple Green Flag awards and is a genuinely enjoyable place to spend a Saturday morning, whether you are running, walking, or volunteering. The park cafe is a popular post-run gathering spot.
Windy Nook Parkrun
Location: Windy Nook, NE10 8XU Terrain: Trail | Profile: Hilly with 42 steps | Laps: 3 laps Accessibility: NOT buggy-friendly More info: parkrun.org.uk/windynook
Windy Nook is the toughest parkrun in the Newcastle and Gateshead area, and it wears that badge with pride. The three-lap trail course includes a total of 42 steps and some proper climbs through the Windy Nook Nature Reserve. This is not one for the faint-hearted, but the sense of achievement at the finish is unmatched.
The reserve itself is a reclaimed former quarry site with meadows, woodland, and panoramic views across the Tyne Valley. Trail shoes are recommended, especially in winter when the paths can be muddy. If you enjoy cross-country running or want a genuine challenge, Windy Nook delivers every week.
Junior Parkruns (Sunday 9am)
Both cities also offer junior parkrun events on Sunday mornings. These 2K events are open to children aged 4 to 14 and follow the same free, inclusive ethos as the adult runs. Children must be registered at parkrun.org.uk and bring their printed barcode.
Town Moor Junior Parkrun
Location: Near Exhibition Park, NE2 4PZ Course: 2.25 laps on flat tarmac More info: parkrun.org.uk/townmoor-juniors
The junior version of Town Moor parkrun uses the same flat, accessible terrain as the adult event. The 2.25-lap tarmac course is ideal for younger runners, and the flat profile means children of all ages and abilities can take part comfortably.
Saltwell Junior Parkrun
Location: Saltwell Park, NE9 5AX Course: 2 laps on tarmac More info: parkrun.org.uk/saltwell-juniors
Held in the same beautiful Saltwell Park as the adult Gateshead parkrun, the junior event consists of two tarmac laps through the park. The setting is colourful and family-friendly, with plenty to explore in the park before and after the run.
A Note on Gibside Parkrun
Runners who have been in the area for some years may remember Gibside parkrun, which was held on the National Trust estate south-west of Gateshead. This event has been permanently closed since March 2020 and is not expected to return. The five events listed above are the only active parkruns in the Newcastle and Gateshead area.
Practical Information
Cost: Completely free, forever. parkrun is a registered charity.
Registration: Sign up once at parkrun.org.uk, print your barcode, and bring it every week. Without a barcode, your time cannot be recorded.
When: Adult parkruns start at 9am every Saturday. Junior parkruns start at 9am every Sunday. Arrive by 8:50am for the pre-run briefing, especially if it is your first time at a venue.
What to bring: Your printed parkrun barcode, suitable footwear (trail shoes for Jesmond Dene and Windy Nook), and water if you want it. That is all.
Volunteering: Every parkrun relies entirely on volunteers. You can sign up to volunteer at any event through the parkrun website. It counts towards your parkrun record and is a great way to give back to the community.
Choosing Your Parkrun
If you want speed and accessibility, head to Town Moor. If you love scenic trails and do not mind hills, Jesmond Dene is hard to beat. For a central location with character, Leazes puts you in the heart of Newcastle. Over in Gateshead, Saltwell Park offers a beautiful, family-friendly setting, while Windy Nook will test your legs and lungs like no other local event.
Whichever you choose, you will find a welcoming community, a free timed run, and a reason to get out of bed on Saturday morning. See you at 9am.
