Preston ranks among England’s top 25 areas for running

For runners, a good place to train can offer more than one scenic route. Green spaces, local events and outdoor conditions all contribute to the wider picture.

A ranking by FLBR Motorsport compared 60 towns, cities and council areas across England.

Preston ranks 23rd overall, with 5.62 mapped running trails per 10,000 residents.

The council area also records 69.05 parks and play areas per 100,000 people.

Preston finishes ahead of Warrington in 28th place, Manchester in 53rd, Blackpool in 58th and Liverpool in 59th.

Lancaster performs best among those Lancashire comparisons, taking seventh place, while Blackburn ranks 16th.

Preston records average annual rainfall of 1,058 mm and 1,367 sunshine hours.

Crawley leads nationally, followed by Bath and Worcester.

Birmingham ranks last among the 60 areas assessed.

Josh Felber, spokesperson for FLBR Motorsport, said: “Preston’s mapped routes give runners options for varying their training. The practical challenge is matching the route to the conditions, particularly after rain when a familiar off-road section may require a slower pace or an alternative path.”