Parkrun and the Best Places to Run on the Gold Coast

Running on the Gold Coast is about as good as it gets in Australia. With a mild climate, a stunning 57-kilometre coastline, expansive parklands and hinterland trails just minutes from the beach, runners of every pace and ability have a wealth of options to explore. Whether you are training for a marathon, chasing a personal best or simply looking for a relaxed morning jog, the Gold Coast delivers.

Parkrun is at the heart of the city's running community. These free, weekly 5-kilometre events take place every Saturday morning and welcome walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities without any pressure to compete. The Gold Coast hosts multiple parkrun events, including popular courses at Pratten Park in Southport, Broadwater Parklands and Pizzey Park in Miami. Registration is free and a single barcode works at any parkrun location anywhere in the world, making it the perfect social running habit for locals and visitors alike.

For those who prefer running on their own schedule, the beachfront paths are hard to beat. The stretch from Coolangatta through Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise offers a mostly flat, paved path with ocean views the entire way. Early mornings see a steady flow of runners making the most of the cooler air and the sunrise over the Pacific, and the path is wide enough to accommodate everything from solo joggers to large group training sessions.

Burleigh Heads National Park offers a compact but spectacular trail loop that takes runners through headland bushland with panoramic views of the coast. For something more challenging, the hinterland parks of Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain provide multi-kilometre trail options through subtropical rainforest, complete with creek crossings and serious elevation. These trails are popular with trail running clubs and individuals building fitness for the Gold Coast Marathon or other major events.

The Gold Coast Marathon in July is the city's marquee running event, drawing elite athletes and first-time marathon runners alike to a flat, fast course that winds through the beachside suburbs. The event weekend also includes a half marathon, a 10-kilometre run and shorter distances for younger participants, making it a genuine celebration of the city's running culture. If you are new to running and looking for a goal to work toward, the Gold Coast Marathon website has everything you need to register and start training.

Sources: parkrun Australia Gold Coast Marathon