Health and Wellbeing

Get race ready for the 2025 City to Surf with our favourite running routes

City of Perth22 Jul '255 min read

The Bridges Loop

Gearing up for this year’s Chevron City to Surf? Make the City of Perth your training ground with our favourite tracks to run or walk in the lead up to 31 August.

Kings Park

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your King’s Park route – there’s a complete mix of soft or hard ground, ups or downs and thick bush or city views to choose from. Stick to a 10KM loop around the perimeter, head out and back on the Kokoda Trail, or mix it up by getting lost in the sandy trails – you’ll soon forget where you are and your time on your feet will fly by.

If you’re looking for a straight and uninterrupted (plus gradually uphill) section to run some intervals, then head to the famous Green Mile which starts at the May Drive Parkland and finishes at the steps of the DNA Tower. It’s a toughie, but your post training coffee overlooking the City of Perth will taste that little bit better.

Jacob’s Ladder

Since 1909 Jacob’s Ladder has linked the Swan River to the north-east corner of King’s Park and in more recent years has provided a testing training challenge for Perth locals. Just short of 300 steps your legs and chest will be burning just-a-little by the top, but it’s worth climbing the stairway to heaven for that City of Perth view overlooking the Swan River from the top. Walk or run up the stairs and do them once or repeat a few times – either way, take a breather at the top and hand out high fives on your way back down!

Kings Park

The Bridges Loop

If you work in the City, the Bridges Loop is the perfect route for your pre, during or post work training runs. The loop is flat with options to run on the grass or public paths and you’re more than likely going to bump into a string of fellow runners along the way who you can tag onto. Choose between the 10km route connecting the Narrows and Causeway Bridges or a 12km loop incorporating the new Boorloo Bridge as well as Heirisson Island, Optus Stadium and the Matagarup and Trafalgar Bridges.

Elizabeth Quay to Matilda Bay

We never get bored of this out and back route starting from Elizabeth Quay and heading in the direction of Matilda Bay, passing the Old Swan Brewery on the way. You’ve got beautiful tree-lined river views on the way out and the city skyline to distract your attention on the way back. And, if you’ve got time to battle the tourist crowds then stop for a snap at The Blue Boat House at the mid-way point. Plus, bonus points for a sprint finish across Elizabeth Quay Bridge to finish your run off!

Jacob's Ladder

Claisebrook Cove

If you’re looking for a route with a good variety of terrain, look no further than Claisebrook Cove. Head north from Mardalup Park up to the infamous ‘heartbreak hill’ in Victoria Gardens for a neat and tidy 5-kilometre loop, complete with stunning waterfront views and a mix of grass, boardwalk, concrete and asphalt. If you need a group to motivate you, the Claisebrook Cove parkrun is on every Saturday morning at 8am.

Keen to take on the challenge? Visit the City to Surf website to register – choose to walk, run or roll on either the 4km or 12km courses.