You can run this route once for 11 km or twice to complete a half-marathon distance. This route starts and ends in the city centre, making it easy to hop on or off a bus if needed. Run through the beautiful Christ Church Meadow, Mesopotamia Walk, University Parks, and past some grand gardens. Learn a bit about a few “hidden” nooks and crannies, such as the Watcher Tree and Parson’s Pleasure Bath. Please note that the path along the River Cherwell tends to flood during the winter. Grab your sunscreen and water bottle; ready to go!
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Route overview
Interesting fact: The first hot air balloon ascent from Merton Field in Britain landed on Broad Walk. As a promenade, Broad Walk has been in use since the middle of the 17th century. It passes the recorded line of Oxford’s Civil War defences and was widely praised. It’s the biggest piece of the original landscape that remains at The Meadow.
Broad Walk, Christ Church. Credit: Bilal Yassine
From the Broad Walk, turn right down the Poplar Walk or Christ Church Meadow Walk. Continue along this path that follows the River and leads you to the Watcher Tree.
Part 1 of the 21 km Half-Marathon Run Route Oxford
The Watcher tree received its name from its appearance of having multiple “eyes” along its trunk.
Stay on the main path towards Rose Lane, which takes you to High Street. Turn right onto Magdalen Bridge, then take the first exit at the roundabout onto St. Clement’s Street.
Part 2 of the 21 km Half-Marathon Run Route Oxford
The first mention of the Magdalen Bridge dates back to 1004, and it used to be made of wood. Today’s bridge was repaired and rebuilt in the 1770s due to a lack of maintenance, flood damage, and expansion. The bridge was again expanded in 1882 by 6 metres in its width.
Magdalen Bridge. Credit: Insider’s Oxford
St. Clement’s Street becomes London Place. At the split of the road, turn left onto Marston Road. Turn left onto King’s Mill Lane, then, at the end of the path, keep right onto Mesopotamia Walk and towards Parson’s Pleasure Bath just after Fignon Bridge.
Part 3 of the 21 km Half-Marathon Run Route Oxford
The Parson’s Pleasure Bathing Place is located on the River Cherwell and is connected to the Mesopotamia Walk. This area was once the exclusive location for men-only nudist bathing and was shut down in 1991. From 1934 to 1970, there was a bathing place called “Dame’s Delight” for clothed females, at least close by. “Parson’s Pleasure Ale” is a barley wine that the Oxford University Beer Appreciation Society commissioned a local brewery to make in 1996. Furthermore, a group of former Oxford University students employed Parson’s Pleasure Surprise Maximus, a bell-ringing technique, in 2010.
Parson’s Pleasure Bath. Credit: Where Thames Smooth Waters Glide
At Fignon Bridge, turn left onto the Marston Cyclepath, and after the short bridge, turn right to continue along the river, passing the J.R.R. Tolkien Bench. After roughly 50 metres, turn right over High Bridge, then immediately left to continue along the river.
Part 4 of the 21 km Half-Marathon Run Route Oxford
The J.R.R. Tolkien Bench was placed here in 1992 to commemorate the centennial of Tolkien’s birth. On either side of the bench is a silver maple and false acacia, representing Telperion and Laurelin, respectively, from The Silmarillion. Unfortunately, the tree symbolising Laurelin was damaged; hence, it is much smaller than Telperion. A second false acacia was planted but, sadly, was overcome with disease and had to be removed.
Tolkien Bench. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Turn left onto Marston Ferry Road and continue for about 1 km. Turn left onto Banbury Road, then immediately right onto Moreton Road. At the end of the road, turn left onto Woodstock Road, then right onto Frenchay Road. A few metres after the bridge, turn sharp left to go down onto the pathway, then turn right at the river.
Part 5 of the 21 km Half-Marathon Run Route Oxford
At the second bridge, Walton Well Bridge, go up the pathway to take you back onto the main road, Walton Well and turn right. At the four-way intersection, take the second exit onto St. Bernard’s Road. Continue straight onto Bevington Road, then right onto Banbury Road. Turn a slight left onto Parks Road, running alongside University Gardens. You may choose to run around here along the pathways if you choose. Continue along Parks Road until you see Trinity College’s Stuart Gates on your right.
Part 6 of the 21 km Half-Marathon Run Route Oxford
With the exception of Christmas Eve, University Parks is open virtually every day until sundown. Locals use this area for informal sporting events, picnics, and even Harry Potter enthusiasts’ Quidditch matches. You may visit their website here if you want additional information about the park or their public events.
University Parks. Credit: The Oxford Magazine
Trinity College Gardens are on view at the Stuart Gates. Along one of the walls is a herbaceous border, which gives the gardens some colour during the spring and summer. You can buy tickets on their website if you would like a closer look and to see Trinty College’s other gardens.
Trinity College Gardens. Credit: The Oxford Magazine
To complete a half-marathon’s distance, turn around from here and retrace your steps. Alternatively, you can explore the city centre and all it offers.
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Resources:
This route was curated in collaboration with Headington Road Runners.
If you enjoyed this route, see our 4km Historical Run
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Download the GPX File here.