Another Greater London parkrun, the North of London is quite easy to reach from MK where I am based. South Oxhey is just south of and fairly close to Watford. This parkrun is very almost entirely run on grass, with a very small section on footpath. It is a three lapper clockwise course around a field boundary, with a hill which you get to do three times.
[I first visited this parkrun on 23rd September 2023]
Bit of History
South Oxhey is a new village built after the second world war to alleviate pressure on London housing following the Blitz, and was built on land that was once part of Oxhey Hall Estate. Previously there was a Manor House 'Oxhey Place' as well as a chapel, the chapel which dates back to 1612 is still standing, but the manor house burnt down in 1960. Some of the housing was even built by prisoners of war. South Oxhey also featured in the BBC television series The Choir: Unsung Town which was broadcast on BBC Two on September 2009. The programme featured a project by Gareth Malone to create a community choir in the town by recruiting local residents. Gareth Malone continued as choirmaster for two years following the conclusion of the TV recording and now maintains his support as patron. South Oxhey playing fields sit to the North of the village and contain 6 adult football pitches, and this is where the parkrun takes place.
Briefings
The visitor and first timer briefing was close to the start and very clear. He started with a description of the parkrun process to a first timer before moving into a good description of the course, and finished by pointing out there were free teas and coffees at this parkrun, always a bonus when a parkrun does this and very welcome. The main brief covered the usual tourist and milestone shout-outs as well as a description of the parkrun rules and process. It was on a PA system and was very easily heard even over the dogs who were in attendance. I've included a video containing both Briefings further down this page.
The Course
The start is at one corner of a large field, and is basically three clockwise laps around the perimeter of the playing fields. You start out by running south along the side of the playing fields this bit is flat, at the first corner you turn right and are now heading uphill towards the far end of the fields, roughly halfway along the field you will reach some trees on your right, keep going still uphill until you reach a sweeping right turn at the top of the field, you finally crest the hill before taking another right turn to head back down the playing fields towards the start finish area, this is a long downhill section where you can pick up a bit of speed after you've recovered from the hill. The downhill section includes a short section of footpath but the rest of the course is entirely on grass. Laps 2 and 3 are identical to lap 1 and this is easily one of the more straightforward parkrun courses you will encounter.
Difficulty
While this was an enjoyable parkrun I'm going to give this a 3 out of 5 for both the cross country nature of the course as well as the elevation. The hill is not a gimme and you have to do it 3 times. The downhill section is very enjoyable though!
Elevation
One long hill which you do three times plus the corresponding downhill. Total climb of only 43m across the whole course, quite surprising really it felt like more than this. It's not the worst in terms of elevation but any means.
Parking, Facilities and Coffee
There is free parking for around 60 cars on site and close to the start. Postcode for this parkrun is WD19 4LT. There is a toilet on the left as you walk from the car park to the playing fields, which was very welcome after our trip from MK. This parkrun is one of only a handful I have visited which has free tea and coffee provided by volunteers with an optional donation, this is great so thanks to them for offering this.
Other Points of Interest
There is an outdoor gym as well as a couple of playgrounds at Oxhey playing fields if the parkrun wasn't enough exercise for you and your little ones. If you are looking for something else to do after your run, you could take a trip to the nearby Oxhey Woods Nature Reserve, there are a number of different walking routes through the 98 hectare woods, some parts of the woods apparently date back to the last ice age.
Summary
Greater London (as well as the wider area just inside the M25), has a number of these smaller quieter but still very friendly and worthwhile parkrun courses, and this is another one that you should add to your list of ones to visit. They are all quite different from one another and it is fun to go and sample them all (or as many as you are able to reach anyway). We were spoilt by the weather on our visit to South Oxhey and I would say it was close to optimum conditions for running this cross country course. Well worth a visit, and you even get a free tea or coffee, and maybe a cake if you are lucky.
Links
Link to official parkrun site for this course: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/southoxhey/
My YouTube Video Review of this parkrun: