Whether you are new to running, tired of your usual neighbourhood loop or increasing your distance for an event, a good running route can make training much more enjoyable.
Distance matters, but so do safety, terrain, hills, traffic, shade and access to water.
Here are a few simple things to think about before heading out.
1. Put safety first
Choose footpaths, shared paths and trails where possible and try to avoid routes with constant road crossings or heavy traffic.
For early morning or evening runs, look for good lighting and wear bright or reflective gear.
If there is no usable footpath or nature strip, pedestrian road rules in Australian jurisdictions such as Queensland and Victoria require or direct pedestrians to face oncoming traffic when travelling along the road
Always keep an eye on driveways, intersections and vehicles turning across your path.
2. Match your route to your goal
Planning a route becomes much easier once you know what you want from the session.
For speed work, choose somewhere relatively flat with minimal interruptions.
Training for trails? Include hills and uneven surfaces.
Increasing distance? Find a route that can grow with you by adding extra loops or extensions.
If you are preparing for an event, try to include similar surfaces and elevation where possible.
3. Build in flexibility
Some days you feel brilliant.
Other days, not so much.
A route with optional loops, hills and shortcuts lets you adjust the session without abandoning it altogether.
You can add distance when you feel strong or head home earlier if conditions or your legs say otherwise.
4. Change the surface
Running does not have to mean kilometres of the same pavement.
Mix in gravel paths, grass, bush trails or gentle hills to keep things interesting and prepare for different types of running.
Trail surfaces will usually slow your pace compared with roads, so focus more on effort than trying to hit exactly the same numbers.
5. Think about heat, shade and water
In Australian conditions, this can make or break a route.
A great winter loop may be miserable in the middle of summer if there is no shade or water available.
For longer runs, consider:
- where you can refill water
- whether the route has shade
- what time of day you will be running
- whether you need to carry a bottle, soft flask or hydration vest
A slightly longer shaded route can sometimes be a much better choice than the shortest option.
6. Choose somewhere you enjoy
There is no prize for designing the world's most boring training loop.
Run along the water, explore a local trail, link together a couple of parks or head somewhere with a view.
A route that you genuinely enjoy makes it easier to stay consistent.
The best running route is simply one that suits your goals, fits the conditions and makes you want to run it.
FAQ
How do I plan a running route?
Choose your target distance, then look at safety, terrain, hills, road crossings, shade and water access. The route should match the goal of the session.
How can I find good running routes near me?
Explore local parks, trails, shared paths and waterfront areas, use running or mapping apps and check routes used by local running clubs.
What makes a good running route?
A good route is safe, suits your training goal and has the right mix of distance, surface and elevation. Ideally, it should also be somewhere you enjoy running.
Should I carry water when running?
It depends on the distance, weather and your individual needs. On longer runs or in hot conditions, carrying water or planning refill points can be useful.
Should runners face traffic?
Use footpaths or nature strips where available. Where you need to travel along the road, Australian pedestrian rules generally require or advise facing oncoming traffic. Check the rules that apply in your state or territory
