5k Formby parkrun

Formby Running Club are working in collaboration with Formby National Trust to bring a 5k parkrun to the community. Use of land with Formby National Trust is agreed and license issued.

The Funding application has recently commenced.

The proposed course and accompnying documents will be submitted to parkrun UK through the summer. We hope to commence Formby parkrun in November 2026 or soon after.

We are actively seeking volunteers - no experience needed, just a willingness to be involved. For an overview of roles click HERE. If you are interested in volunteering please complete this Expressions of Interest form HERE.

This is a mock-up page for illustration purposes at this stage.

What is Formby parkrun? If approved it will be a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5 km community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate – it's up to you!

When is it? The event will be every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. We would hope to commence November 2026.

Where is it? The event will take place at National Trust Formby, Victoria Road Road Nature Reserve, Formby, Merseyside, L37 1LJ. What3Words: https://w3w.co/regulate.fastening.vague

• Formby is a much-loved coastal nature haven for wildlife and people. This special, protected place is recognised as one of the most important sand dune habitats in North-West Europe, where lots of rare and protected wildlife thrives. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

• Follow this ‘Planning your visit’ link provided by Formby National Trust HERE 

Transport: Wherever possible walk, jog, cycle or use public transport when attending parkrun to reduce our impact on the environment. If on-foot or arriving by bike, there is no charge to enter the nature reserve.

• From Freshfield Train Station 15 minute walk (1 km) to parkrun

• From Formby Train Station 30 min walk (2.25 km) to parkrun

Car Parking: If you do have to drive car sharing is encouraged.

• Park at the National Trust VICTORIA ROAD car park, which is adjacent to the parkrun start-line. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is in use.

  • National Trust members who are in possession of their membership card and who have scanned it at the pay and display machines can park at Victoria Road car park free of charge, otherwise a parking charge of £9.00 applies, so please consider becoming a National Trust member. Parking may be limited so try to arrive before 8:30.

• Please do not to park on any of the residential roads in the area, and in particular avoid St. Joseph's Prayer Centre (located on a private road), as access is strictly prohibited, CCTV is in operation and wheel clamping with fines are enforced.

What does it cost to join in? Nothing - it's free!

How fast do I have to be? We all take part for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace.

The Course
The course is 5000m (5k) long. This has been accurately measured by us with a professional measuring wheel. The course starts and finishes at Formby Nature Reserve, Formby, Merseyside L37 1LJ. The course is run on compacted gravel paths, and woodland trail paths. Some sections of the woodland trail paths have uneven ground which may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain, drifting soft sand, exposed tree roots, tree stumps, are littered with pine cones and twigs.

Trail shoes or robust road running shoes are recommended.

We use shared paths. For the continued success of the event, please give way to other NT nature reserve users. This won't hurt your time, it won't stop you from getting a PB and it will make sure everyone continues to enjoy the event.

Course Safety

The event is a fun, free event organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. We wish to make the event as safe as possible, so participants, spectators and helpers are asked to take care about the following:

• Please be considerate to the nature reserve and other nature reserve users at all times. Keep to the paths at all times.

• Children under the age of eleven must be accompanied (within arm's reach) throughout the event by a parent, guardian or appropriate adult of the parent's choice.

• Please arrive by foot, by pedal-power or by public transport if you can - your efforts help to reduce our impact on the terrain and the planet.

• Take care near roads and car parks – some vehicles drive very quickly. Please congregate away from the cars and be careful in particular if you have children. If you’re driving to the event, please drive carefully even if you’re late!

• Take care on uneven surfaces – whether on grass or on tarmac. Watch out for cyclists, other participants, pedestrians, children, dogs, wildlife, park animals, vehicles, park maintenance work, falling branches, bollards, posts and other obstacles around the course.

• Please ensure that you are fit enough to walk, jog, run 5k (3.1 miles) with us.

• If you see someone with a serious problem, please stop to help them and get help as soon as possible.

• If you’re watching, keep clear of participants on the course, and look after any children and dogs you may have with you.

• It is not permitted to run with a pushchair and a dog at the same time.

• Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. Consider protecting yourself by wearing repellent when at parkrun events in grassy or wooded areas. See lymediseaseuk.com for further details.

• You are welcome to take part with one dog by your side, within reach at all times, on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead.

• Runners pushing buggies are welcome, but please be aware there are potholes, uneven ground, and drifting soft sand. Take care of others around you and do your best to start at an appropriate place in the field for your pace.

We hope these tips help to ensure that the event s fun and safe for everyone.