Running in Cambridge

Cambridge's riverside greens and commons give runners open ground close to the centre, and the city hosts a half marathon road race in March. Check a map before planning a set distance.

The river corridor

The Cam links several of the city's open spaces. Jesus Green lies north of Jesus College beside the Cam, and across Victoria Avenue is Midsummer Common. Further upstream, Sheep's Green and Coe Fen are on the flood plain that runs from Grantchester Meadows into the city centre and on to the Backs. The Newnham to Grantchester walk and the River and Commons walk follow parts of this corridor on foot.

Some of this ground is grazed and prone to flooding: Sheep's Green and Coe Fen lie on a flood plain, and Red Poll cattle graze on Grantchester Meadows from April to October. Midsummer Common is also a venue for major events, and for fun runs and cycling events that start and finish there.

Coldham's Common

Coldham's Common is a 49.3-hectare local nature reserve in Cambridge, with access from Coldham's Lane. Wear sturdy shoes after rain. A 5k parkrun and a junior parkrun are held there each week, and the parkruns guide covers these and other events around the city.

The Cambridge Half Marathon

An organised road race in the city is the Cambridge Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile road race that starts and finishes on Victoria Avenue beside Midsummer Common.

More open spaces

The full list of greens and commons is in the greens and commons guide.