There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ jog to work up a sweat, release some endorphins, and get rid of built-up stress. Is there anything a run can’t fix? Nope, probably not.
To celebrate the upcoming ASB Auckland Marathon (Sunday October 29, people—mark it in your diaries!), we’ve rounded up five new running routes to try in Auckland. They’ll put your training on the fast track (pun intended), whatever distance you sign up for!
So, whether you’re signing up for your first 5km or you’re wanting to beat your full marathon PB, here are five tracks to try ahead of race day.
Tamaki Drive
Tamaki Drive is an Auckland must-do—or should we say Auckland must-run?! Curving 10km along the waterfront from downtown Auckland to St Heliers, the route is not only flat, but there are minimal road crossings—winning. Better yet, the views have you spoilt for choice. Feast your eyes on the glistening Waitemata Harbour or gaze enviously at the mansions lining the cliff tops. Coincidentally, the second half of the full marathon follows Tamaki Drive...and back! Yep, this route will have ya race-ready.
Coast To Coast
This run gives you the ultimate bragging right—you can claim you ran from one side of New Zealand to the other. The urban track starts from Auckland CBD’s Waitemata Harbour and heads south to the Manukau Harbour. You’ll pass five volcanic sites (just casually), suburban streets and places of Maori history. The route is 16km so make sure you’re armed with blister pads and a drink bottle. Oh, and take your HOP card or have Uber at the ready—you’ll need to suss a return trip. Check out the course for yourself here.
Devonport To Takapuna
Tie up your laces and ferry across to Devonport (you can opt to drive but sailing there is part of the fun). From here, jog along the suburban Vauxhall Road until it becomes Old Lake Road. Take a right onto Hamana Street and cruise along until it becomes Seacliffe Avenue. While there are some gentle slopes along the way, it all makes for good training. Turn left onto Winscombe Street and hey presto, you’re at Lake Road. Continue until you get to the heart of Takapuna and refuel at a café of your choice. This 6km route also doubles as the start of the Auckland half and full marathons.
Western Springs
We all know and love Western Springs for its stadium, zoo and museum, but it’s also one of the best running spots in Auckland. The lake is surrounded by a wide footpath, perfect for getting your jog on. Three full loops (don’t take the shortcut) form a 5km-course. Six loops and—you guessed it—you’ve run 10km. There are no road crossings involved, meaning you can really get into your running zone. However, a word of warning: watch out for duck and/or goose poo—it can make the path slippery.
Totara Park
Thanks to Totara Park, South Auckland folk are spoilt for running routes. Stretching over 200 hectares, there is no shortage of running or walking tracks—you can even bring your mountain bike. The park has it all: rolling farmland, native bush and a bubbling stream. Download a map and create a route to suit your personal fitness levels. Our advice? End your run at the nearby Botanic Gardens for a tranquil post-run stretch.
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Image credit: supplied