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Running is one of the easiest ways to stay fit. With the bonus of getting to explore the city and surrounding areas, flexibility to run whenever suits you, and that £0 price tag, it’s the perfect addition to student life. So, whether you’re a complete novice looking to shake up your weekly routine, or a seasoned runner eager to find the best running spots in the city, I’ve compiled a variety of routes to suit every pace, preference and energy level. Here’s your ultimate guide to running in Exeter!
1. Best Flat Route: Along the Quay
My personal favourite: in a city full of hills, the Exeter Quay offers a flat, paved route. This terrain is ideal for speed work or a relaxed weekend jog with friends. Its riverside views and a plethora of cafes for post-run coffee and pastries make this route a 10/10! If you’re running from campus, follow the downhill of the Prince of Wales Road and access the Quay via the back of Exeter St. David's. For those running from elsewhere in the city, easy access points are by Mill on the Exe, or slightly further down by the Riverside Café.
2. Best for Exploring: River Exe to Topsham
Fancy a change of scenery? Or to explore a new part of Exeter you may not have been to before? Instead of taking the train to Topsham, head along the River Exe and run there! Enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city or campus as you run along the waterside. This route features both paved and trail sections and can be accessed by continuing on from the Quay, or by joining the route at the Exeter University Boat Clubhouse. Around 11 kilometres to Topsham from campus, this route offers the option to round back to roughly equal half-marathon distance. Or, alternatively, explore Topsham before heading on the trains back to Exeter, which run two to three times an hour.
3. Best Hilly Routes
It’s no secret that Exeter isn’t all flat! Most routes around the city centre involve hilly sections, and whilst it’s easy to want to avoid them, they can make for a great workout. Stoke Hill is a great spot for hill sprints and is relatively close to campus. If you fancy a more scenic hilly spot, head to Ludwell Valley Park, where the views from the top are well worth the effort of running up there.
4. Join a Running Community
One of my favourite parts of running is doing it with others; it’s both motivating and fun. Exeter has several local run clubs that are free and easy to join, such as All in Run Club and Greenbow Running Club. Joining the University’s Cool Running Society is one of the best decisions I’ve made at university, with up to 9 runs a week on offer, there are pace and distance options to suit all abilities, and they even offer structured training programmes to build you up to longer distances. You can purchase a membership from the Students’ Guild website for just £16 a year. Many other societies host their own weekly runs, so there’s no shortage of opportunities.