13k Run Chichester: Scenic Loop Around Hayling Island

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 13.3km loop around Thorney Island offers a quintessential South Coast running experience, characterized by its remarkably flat profile and crisp sea air. Starting from the outskirts of Emsworth near Chichester, you'll traverse a mix of well-maintained paved sections and coastal gravel paths. The route is a runner’s paradise for those looking to maintain a steady tempo without the interruption of elevation, allowing you to focus on the expansive views of Chichester Harbour. Expect a refreshing maritime breeze as you navigate the southern peninsula, where the path hugs the shoreline, offering sightings of brent geese and curlews across the tidal mudflats and saltmarshes.

Thorney Island holds a unique place in local history, functioning as an active MOD base while remaining accessible to the public via the Sussex Border Path. As you run, you’ll pass the historic St. Nicholas Church—a lonely, beautiful 13th-century structure that stood long before the RAF arrived in the 1930s. The area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and runners will feel the shift in atmosphere from the bustling sailing hubs of the Emsworth channel to the quiet, secluded reed beds on the eastern side. It is a peaceful escape where the only sounds are the rhythmic movement of your feet and the distant clink of yacht masts in the harbor.