Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun takes place at 9 am on Saturdays at Marine Parade East, Lee-on-the-Solent.

Getting There

The event takes place on the promenade in coastal Lee-on-the-Solent. It is easily accessed from the M27 motorway, Junction 9 (if you’re coming from Portsmouth or the west) or Junction 11. Fareham Station 4.5 miles away. Buses No 9/9A run from to Lee-on-the-Solent from Fareham. If you’re adventurous, you can also get here by ferry from Portsmouth.

Parking

There is plenty of car parking near the start. There are two large car parks on Marine Parade Way, one situated either side of the start and both a 5-10 minute walk away; Beach Road Car Park and Monks Hill Car Park. Both are free until 10am. If you plan to stay on past 10 am, parking costs £1.40 per hour at Beach Road or £1 at Monks Hill.

Toilets

Lee-on-the-Solent is awash with toilets, there are several blocks within a few minutes walk of the start.

Course

The course is out and back along the prom, continuing past the start to run out and back in the opposite direction, finishing close to the start.. Two things to note: firstly, it starts right after the briefing but heading in the opposite direction. If you stand at the back for the briefing, you’ll find yourself at the front when the race starts. Secondly, when you set off, the prom is lined with benches along the left hand side, which are difficult to spot when it’s crowded. So keep right at the start. Or look out for benches. Preferably both.

Terrain

Mainly on a the paved prom but there is a short stretch of shingle. There is also a ramp to negotiate, plus two, 360 degree turns.

Shoes

Trainers.

Difficulty

Run Britain rankings for UK parkruns places Lee-on-the-Solent as 135th fastest out of 706. It has a total elevation of 3 metres.

Fun Factor

I love running by the seaside, so I enjoy coming here. The first time I ran at Lee-on-Solent, Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of parkrun turned up, which was an added bonus. As mentioned above, I hadn’t realised those at the rear of the briefing i.e. me would start the race briefly in the lead. So I can now say I lead out PSH for a parkrun (albeit very briefly).

Nearby Attractions

Lee-on-the-Solent’s main attraction is its promenade lined beach, which parkrun makes ample use of.