Brisbane has many tracks suited to running and jogging. Check out our maps to find suitable running routes. If you are interested in sharing your exercise with like-minded people, contact one of the running clubs.
Brisbane Road Runners Club
Brisbane Roadrunners is a club formed to provide regular road races for all grades of runners in and around the Brisbane area. Events are held every other Sunday, with the race calendar for the year available online.
Cool Running Australia
Cool Running provides information of interest for grassroots runners in Australia, including a race calendar, race results, news articles, running clubs, links to other running web pages. Cool Running specialises in the "Fun Run" scene.
Fun Runs
Family fun runs are a great way to improve fitness and get everyone out into the fresh air. There are plenty of fun runs around that are suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Parents are now joining their children in fun runs. It doesn't matter if they are serious competitors or are just out for gentle exercise on a Sunday morning, it's a great way to improve everyone's fitness levels. It's also an excellent way to introduce your children to competitive sport and build up their fitness levels without them having to give up too much of their free time or show a great amount of dedication.
Whether you're competing seriously, just going for a jog or walking with your family you should make sure everyone takes the proper precautions to minimise the risk of injury. You should include at least 10 minutes warm up and stretching before starting to exercise and remember to do the same when you finish to allow your muscles to cool down. Make sure everyone drinks plenty of fluids to keep themselves hydrated. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to prevent those harsh rays from causing any damage.
And if you can't talk your family into competing, why not ask a friend to join you and catch up over a gentle jog or relaxing walk? It's a very rewarding and satisfying experience and most fun runs are associated with worthwhile charities that benefit.
USM Events conduct a number of fun runs/walks available that offer great courses and a good opportunity to involve your family and friends in an event.
Fun runs are also a terrific way to cross-train for other sports. If you're competing in another sport and looking for a way to relax yet still keep fit, a fun run can be a great way to keep those fitness levels up without being too serious about it.
Here are a few tips to get you started if you're thinking of entering a fun run:
- If you have the slightest reason for concern in relation to your health have a chat to your doctor about what you are about to do.
- Set yourself a goal. This may change over time but start with something that is feasible and achievable.
- Ensure that you have a good support network of family and friends to help you along the way or to train with because it will help keep you motivated. It's easier to get out the door if you have to train with someone else.
- Purchase a good pair of shoes.
- Keep a training diary and have something visual in your home and/or work place showing how many weeks/days to go.
- Run on soft surfaces as often as you can.
- Treat yourself to a massage as often as you can afford.
- Find out the location of a Sports Physiotherapist, Medical Practitioner and Dietitian that you can call on.
- Get as much rest as you can. You gain fitness during the recovery period when your body is rebuilding and getting stronger, not during the actual running session.
- If you miss a workout, don't feel guilty. Don't try and squeeze it in later in the week.
- Cross-training is an ideal way to supplement your training program, try swimming, weight training or cycling.
- Start each workout gradually, warming up your muscles by slow-paced walking/jogging. Finish each workout gradually too. Slow down the pace with stretching exercises to cool down and relax your body.
- Cherish the fact that you are able to take up such a challenge and enjoy each day as it arrives.
Hey there all you regular runners and joggers - what are your favourite Brisbane running routes? Add your comments below.
