Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 19 hours ago
In my role as a Weleda Challenge Ambassador I set off the find out if the claims were true: Is Woolacombe Dunes parkrun the toughest parkrun in parkrunworld? Half of the challenge was the trip to North Devon as it is definitely not close to Leeds! The Dune of Doom and running on the soft sand in the dunes were the other challenges.
Whether or not this is the toughest parkrun in the UK became secondary to our visit once we saw the beach. I would recommend this parkrun to everyone as it is one of the most beautiful parkruns I have ever done. The primary reason to visit here should just be to experience this incredible place. Everything about running here felt special. The team were fantastic (and such a funny First Timers Welcome!) and I honestly can't think of anywhere I'd rather be running on a glorious summer's morning.
Be aware that parking is expensive in the summer so check the course page for details as if you visit out of season then parking is free (it is currently £10 for the day in the summer). We felt it was worth it as we spent the whole day at the beach. The ice creams overlooking one of Britain's best beaches just further enhanced our parkrunday... as did the showers behind the café and toilets! We finished our day with an amazing Sri Lankan curry... I will remember this parkrunday for the rest of my life. What an incredible trip! Huge thanks to Weleda UK for supporting my trip here.
If you've run at Great Yarmouth North Beach parkrun and at Woolacombe Dunes parkrun (or other tough UK parkruns) then comment below what your thoughts are on what the UK's toughest parkrun is. Sand makes running a real challenge but it was one of the most enjoyable challenges we've taken on in parkrunworld. We even added in a beach clean so that we left the beach looking even more spectacular than when we found it. What a parkrunday!
Happy running,
Nicola :)
In my role as a Weleda Challenge Ambassador I set off the find out if the claims were true: Is Woolacombe Dunes parkrun the toughest parkrun in parkrunworld? Half of the challenge was the trip to North Devon as it is definitely not close to Leeds! The Dune of Doom and running on the soft sand in the dunes were the other challenges.
Whether or not this is the toughest parkrun in the UK became secondary to our visit once we saw the beach. I would recommend this parkrun to everyone as it is one of the most beautiful parkruns I have ever done. The primary reason to visit here should just be to experience this incredible place. Everything about running here felt special. The team were fantastic (and such a funny First Timers Welcome!) and I honestly can't think of anywhere I'd rather be running on a glorious summer's morning.
Be aware that parking is expensive in the summer so check the course page for details as if you visit out of season then parking is free (it is currently £10 for the day in the summer). We felt it was worth it as we spent the whole day at the beach. The ice creams overlooking one of Britain's best beaches just further enhanced our parkrunday... as did the showers behind the café and toilets! We finished our day with an amazing Sri Lankan curry... I will remember this parkrunday for the rest of my life. What an incredible trip! Huge thanks to Weleda UK for supporting my trip here.
If you've run at Great Yarmouth North Beach parkrun and at Woolacombe Dunes parkrun (or other tough UK parkruns) then comment below what your thoughts are on what the UK's toughest parkrun is. Sand makes running a real challenge but it was one of the most enjoyable challenges we've taken on in parkrunworld. We even added in a beach clean so that we left the beach looking even more spectacular than when we found it. What a parkrunday!
Happy running,
Nicola :)
