You don’t just wake up fighting fit to tackle a multi-kilometre run. The strength, stamina, and fitness needed are a gradual build, something you’ve got to put time and effort into developing. That’s why, ahead of HBF Run for a Reason on Sunday 19 May, we’re running (or walking) you through five of the best Perth-based running trails as voted by you. 

So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your runners, and let’s hit the trails. 

City Bridges Loop

Get a feel for the length of the Specsavers 12km course on this 9.5-kilometre looped trail around the Swan River, from the Narrows Bridge in the east to The Causeway in the west. 

You can start your run or walk anywhere along the riverfront in South Perth or the city, but parking in the Langley Park, Taylor Reserve, or Lake Hurlingham car parks is best for ease of access. Make your way to the riverfront to begin your session. Completing the circuit is just a matter of following the paved path around the two bridges — easy. To bump up the distance to something closer to the HBF Run for a Reason Specsavers 12km, add on a little detour through the gravel tracks on Heirisson Island (3.3 kilometres).

Reward your efforts with a post-run breakfast or brunch in South Perth or Elizabeth Quay.

Lake Monger

Train up for the Commonwealth Bank 4km run or walk with a few sessions around Lake Monger. The 3.5-kilometre paved trail follows around the banks of a tree-lined urban wetland, so it’s common to see birdlife and even turtles as you make your way from start to finish. 

There’s plenty of parking available at Dodd Street or off Grantham Street and a coffee van for that after-run pick-me-up by the pump track on the weekends.

West Coast Drive

The 7-kilometre-long West Coast Drive is a scenic coastal route between Trigg and Hillarys, not to be confused with the West Coast Highway. Follow it north along the beach from the carpark at Trigg Reserve or south from the carpark at Hillarys. Not keen on the whole 7 kilometres plus the return? The good news is you can do as little or as much of the path as you desire.

The best part? There are plenty of cafes and restaurants dotted along the way, so there’s every excuse to call in and replenish your depleted self after your run.

Bold Park And Reabold Hill

With a web of trails weaving through the 437-hectare Bold Park, there are umpteen options for your HBF Run for a Reason training runs. One of the highlights is the 4.8-kilometre bushland-lined Zamia Trail, which loops its way around Reabold Hill. Needless to say, there’s a fair bit of elevation on this route — it gets to 85 metres above sea level — so you’ll be giving your legs and lungs a fairly decent workout. 

Conquer this, and the Commonwealth Bank 4km will cruisy – not a hill to be seen, just Swan River views.

Kings Park

There’s nothing that a trip to Kings Park isn’t good for, even training for HBF Run for a Reason. Much like Bold Park, Kings Park gives you ample choice for running routes. 
You can run as much or as little as you like or take a gentle stroll through the native bushland and manicured gardens. The choice really is yours. However, to make it easy, there’s a looped 5.5-kilometre trail mapped out around the perimeter of the park and up through the centre to get you well and truly prepped for the Commonwealth Bank 4km. If you’re training for the Brooks Half Marathon, combine a trail through Kings Park with a river loop to get you close to the 21-kilometre mark.

Entering HBF Run For A Reason

Get ready for an action-packed day for the fun-seekers, PB pushers, and goal-smashers. Anyone can enter, even if you’re not a pro runner – and registering is super easy. 

Simply head online, choose your distance, and pay the entry fee. 

You don’t have to be an HBF member to enter, but those who are receive a 20% saving on entry fees. Starting a fundraising page for your choice of charity is an optional addition, though it’s recommended if there’s a cause you’re passionate about. 

Here’s what you’ll be missing if you don’t enter now:

• A collectable t-shirt (while stocks last)
• A finish line medal (to wear to work on Monday)
• Free entertainment every step of the way, from DJs to bagpipes to Bollywood dancers. 
• Free public transport until 3:00 pm 
• Free massages post-run to start your recovery session

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This article is sponsored by HBF.