WA in 5 Great Trail Runs
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I have always hated running. School cross country was never my thing and the idea of being fit never appealed to me. That is until I found out about trail running. The feeling of running through a forest or along the coastline is euphoric and I was quickly hooked. With the help of the ‘AllTrails’ App finding new trails to run is no sweat and following them is even easier.
Kitty Gorge via Serpentine Falls - 20.34 km Serpentine National Park
Among the tall trees and the running creeks of Serpentine National Park is a trail like no other. Only an hour from Perth, the trail is easily accessible. The trail starts on precarious winding paths along creek beds with extruding roots start to warm up the foot-eye coordination. I hear fellow runners tumble behind me. The elevation gain is tough to push through however the views at the top are well worth the calf cramps. Creeks, valleys, waterfalls and forests, this run has it all and is sure to keep you moving just to see what is around the next bend. The pub feed at the Jarrahdale Tavern after certainly felt well deserved. Kitty Gorge is not the only trail in the park meaning there is something for every runner.
Serpentine National Park - Photo Rob Harris
Yued Ponar Trail - 6.3 km Lesueur National Park
Up to the East of Jurien Bay lies the Lesueur National Park. This shorter trail that loops through the valleys of the national park makes for a brilliant morning run. Although not as close to Perth, it makes for a great stop through on the way up north. Starting down by the creek the run climbs along the side of the plateau’s and it’s rugged trail makes for a challenging climb, the benches scattered along the run allow for a break with a view however. Upon reaching the top of the plateau, 360 views are offered at the surrounding eroded landscapes and even glimpses to the far away sea. The run then follows it’s way back down along the tree’s and creek bed, a cairn on the hill behind marking a water source to old explorers. A 20 minute drive back to Jurien for a coffee and swim is a great cooldown.
Lesueur National Park - Photo Rob Harris
Goldfield Pipeline Marathon - 50, 42, 21, 10 km Kalgoorlie
Looking for a competitive run that’s a bit off the grid, this Kalgoorlie run may be the challenge you are looking for. Having never been to Kalgoorlie this run was certainly on my bucket list. After being dropped out to the start point by a bus at the 21km mark the frontrunners of the 42 and 50km race start coming through. Given the flat landscape the run is relatively easy and given the multiple distances to choose from, there is something for everyone. As the name suggests, the run follows the pipeline that connects water from the Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie, a unique attribute unlike any other runs. Once you’ve managed to get the red dirt from your sneakers, Kalgoorlie’s historic Pub’s will keep you entertained for the afternoon.
Kalgoorlie - Photo Pipeline Organisers
King of the Mountain - 16.1 km Nyaania Creek Reserve, Helena Valley
Starting at the Helena Valley Primary school the run ahead is concealed by the surrounding trees. Hosted by the West Australian Marathon Club, this run takes you along the Helena River and up into the hills. The gravel trails zig zag up the mountain slowly but surely and with every turn another hill awaits leaving no rest for the legs. Once at the top the views along the valleys are unparalleled and the trek up all makes sense. The run back down is not the easy return trip you may hope for either as the slippery gravel becomes a menacing opponent. This run is a great entry point for competitive trail runners as the distance and environment will be sure to challenge and inspire you to do it all again.
Nyaania Creek Reserve - Photo Rob Harris
Bald Head Hike - 12.5 km Torndirrup National Park
Just around the bend from Goode Beach, Albany, lies a trail on one of the greatest peninsula’s WA has the offer. The trail sets itself far above the ocean level allowing brilliant views down to the azure waters below. The run takes you along rocky outcrops and dense shrubbery and thankfully stairs on some of the steep elevation changes. The run has many dips and rises that allow for 360 views of the landscape and ocean that surrounds making for a surreal experience. Following the run there are nearby blowholes, and other natural formations certainly worth checking out.