Southport Beach: A Runner's Review

Located in the seaside town of Southport in Merseyside, England, Southport Beach is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. But how suitable is it for running? Let's take a closer look.

Suitability for Running

Southport Beach has a wide and flat expanse of sand, making it an ideal surface for running. The beach is approximately 22 miles long, providing ample space for runners to complete their workouts without feeling crowded. The flat terrain also makes it an excellent location for interval training and speed work.

In addition to the sandy beach, there is a paved promenade that runs parallel to the water. This promenade is perfect for runners who prefer a firmer surface to run on. The promenade also provides an excellent opportunity for runners to incorporate some variety into their workout by running on different surfaces.

Southport Beach is also relatively flat, with only a few gentle slopes, making it an accessible location for runners of all abilities. The beach is generally well-maintained, but it can be prone to flooding during high tides and stormy weather, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.

Optimizing Your Workout

To get the most out of your workout at Southport Beach, we recommend incorporating some strength training exercises into your routine. Running on sand is a great way to work your muscles in a different way than running on a hard surface. Consider doing some lunges, squats, or plyometric exercises on the beach to take advantage of this.

If you prefer running on the promenade, try doing some interval training. Sprint for a set amount of time, then recover with a jog, and repeat. This type of workout will help you build speed and endurance while enjoying the beautiful views.

My Experience

Southport beach is fantastic if you enjoy walking along paths and trails through the dunes. There is a large area of undeveloped dunes with a plethora of flora and fauna. The beach is 22 miles in length so there is plenty of space to walk or run along. There is parking available for a large length of the beach. There is also a good choice of cafes and pubs within a short distance to the beach for refreshments.

Summary of Southport Running

In conclusion, Southport Beach in the UK is an excellent location for runners looking for a beautiful and varied location to work out. With a sandy beach and a paved promenade to choose from, runners can mix up their workouts while enjoying the stunning views. By incorporating some strength training exercises and interval training into your routine, you can optimize your workout and take advantage of the unique benefits of this location.

Our quick notes on Southport

Parking: yes, opposite the beach

Cash only parking: pay by card available.

Choice of routes: Yes - Along the beach in either direction

Circular walks: Linear route along the beach.

Distance of routes: The beach is 22 miles in total but the routes are linear so it is possible to retrace your steps at any point

Popularity: High 

Quality of walkways: Good pavements along the side of the beach. Note that there are some marsh like areas along the beach which make walking and running difficult.

Dog walking: yes, some bins available at the car park and along the length of the beach on the pavements

Toilets: No, I did not see any public toilets however facilities are available for paying customers at a choice of cafes and pubs near to the beach

Pub/drinks: Choice of venues a short walk from the beach

Hilly route: No, flat

Picnic area: Benches next to the beach

Suitable for running: Yes

Suitable for cycling: Yes, the roads can be ridden along within the park but depending on the weather cycling may be limited to the roads.

Further Information

https://www.visitsouthport.com/things-to-do/southport-beach-p244601