Most runners think the only way to run a faster parkrun is to get fitter.
Run more.
Train harder.
Improve your fitness.
And while those things absolutely help, there’s another way to save time that requires no additional fitness at all.
Run the tangents.
What Are Tangents?
A tangent is simply the shortest route through a course.
Imagine drawing a straight line between two points.
That’s the shortest distance available.
Now think about what happens when runners drift wide on corners.
Instead of taking the shortest line, they’re covering extra ground.
And every extra metre means extra work.
Why It Matters
A few metres here and there doesn’t sound like much.
But parkrun courses often include:
- corners
- bends
- turns around cones
- winding paths
If you consistently take wider lines than necessary, the distance starts adding up.
You might think you’re running a 5km event.
In reality, you could be running significantly more than that.
Free Speed Is Still Speed
One of the reasons running the tangents is so effective is that it doesn’t require any extra effort.
You’re not running faster.
You’re simply running less distance.
That’s about as close to free speed as you’ll find in running.
And unlike some performance tips, this one can help immediately.
You can apply it at your very next parkrun.
The Key Word: Smooth
Running the tangents doesn’t mean cutting people off, weaving aggressively through crowds, or taking unnecessary risks.
The goal is to be smooth.
Look ahead.
Anticipate the line.
Move naturally through the course.
The best runners often make this look effortless because they’re planning several seconds ahead.
Don’t Chase Every Metre
There’s an important balance here.
You don’t need to obsess over every centimetre of the course.
Sometimes the shortest line isn’t worth disrupting your rhythm.
Sometimes staying relaxed and maintaining momentum is more valuable.
The aim is awareness, not perfection.
Where It Makes the Biggest Difference
Tangents matter most on:
- courses with lots of corners
- multi-lap events
- narrow pathways
- winding sections
The more direction changes a course has, the more opportunity there is to save distance.
On a straight out-and-back course, the impact is smaller.
On a twisty course, it can be surprisingly significant.
A Simple Challenge for Saturday
At your next parkrun, spend a little more time looking ahead.
Notice where the course goes.
Notice where the corners are.
And ask yourself:
“Am I taking the shortest sensible line here?”
You don’t need to overhaul your race strategy.
Just become more aware.
Bringing It Back to Saturday
Most performance improvements come from weeks and months of training.
This one can happen immediately.
Run smart.
Look ahead.
Take the shortest sensible route through the course.
Because sometimes a faster parkrun isn’t about running harder.
It’s about running less.