Your Guide to Running on the Central Coast

Here on the Central Coast, we are blessed with many beautiful running and walking tracks, alongside numerous courses and events to test our endurance skills on. One in particular is coming up very soon – the beloved Bay to Bay running festival. It’s a great event for those wanting to get out of the gym and explore the central coast landscape, whilst giving themselves a physical challenge! Whether you’re in it to win it or just down for a scenic morning run however, we’ve done the hard yards for you by compiling a list of running and walking courses on the Coast everyone is free to use, as well as some upcoming active events  to look forward to.

Shared Pathway Runs on the Central Coast

1. Brisbane Water Cycleway

There’s not much better than Brisbane Water Cycleway – after all, it’s the track Bay to Bay uses for their running festival.  Starting from Gosford Sailing Club and stretching all the way to Blackwall mountain in Woy Woy, you can expect minimal hills, consistent water views, parklands and regular water stops. Run one way for a 15km workout, do an out and back or divide it up to suit your own schedule – this course is flexible and offers amazing views at every location.

2. Lion’s Park, Woy Woy

Covering a small section of the Brisbane Water Cycleway is the Woy Woy Park Run starting in Lion’s Park. It’s a 5km course that is held weekly on Saturdays at 8am, and is completely free. It’s a great opportunity to get more race practice in, and have a fun time with other runners. Please make sure to register before the event.

3. The Skillion, Terrigal

For those wanting to increase their running pace, sprint training is important alongside going for those long runs. The steep and formidable Skillion in Terrigal and its adjoining oval is the perfect place for a good leg workout, designed to strengthen your speed and strength for race day.

Also note, the running group Terrigal Trotters meet every Saturday at 6am to run or walk together in this area. If you’re interested, please ensure you complete their Runner waiver before attending.

4. Tuggerah Lakes

If you’re after a flat path run beside the water with lots of scenic views, the Tuggerah Lakes pathway is a great one to go for. It’s 11km from the Entrance Bridge to Chittaway bay, and takes you through the beautiful suburb of Long Jetty and Berkley Vale with practically no elevation gain. Go for an out and back or break the course up to what suits you best.

The Entrance Park run covers 5km of this course, and is held every Saturday 7am.

5. Ettalong Esplanade

This run is roughly 7 km of water and beach views, with minimal elevation and easy navigation. Perfect for an out-and-back of your desired length.

6. Kincumber to Davistown Pathway

Includes  a boardwalk that takes you through  marshland and coastal mangroves. Roughly 5.5km with 42m elevation – perfect for an out and back.

7. Buff Point Budgewoi Lake Foreshore

A 16.9km shared path stretching over bridges and around waterways, this course is ideal for those after moderate to little slopes and lake views. The path starts in Slade Park, Budgewoi and continues on to the bridge near NorthLakes shopping center,  however if you want to add an extra bit to your course, link it up with some of the other trails and shared paths surrounding Norah Head.

The San Remo Park run covers 5km of this course, and starts at Edgewater Park, 1 Narambi Rd, Buff Point. It is held every Saturday at 8am.

 8. Mt Penang Gardens

If you’re after beautiful garden views, a double loop course and a run more on the cross-country side of things, then consider running in the Mt Penang Park Run held every Saturday at 8am. The course is 5km overall and includes tarmac paths, grass, leaves and dirt roads.

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Trail runs and walks on the Central Coast

9. Strickland state forest

This state forest has a trail for everybody – ranging from 2km courses to 14km hikes. Expect to be walking anywhere from 30min – 4 hours.

10. Rumbalara

Ranging from 2km – 12km, the trails in this beautiful part of the Central Coast’s forested area offer runners and walkers alike a variety of hilly, moderate and scenic courses . Apart from a few stairs, the 2km loop Casurina Track is ideal in particular for runners. These tracks can also link up to those of Katandra Reserve.

11. Katandra Reserve

Near Holgate, this reserve has a couple of different tracks to offer. The slopes may be steep, but the views of Terrigal at the end are worth it.

12. Crackneck

Starts at the top of Foresters Beach and continues on to Shelley’s, whilst stopping at the tower overlooking Terrigal. You can expect fantastic views, challenging hills and uneven terrain. It’s 3km one way and more suitable for bush walks.

13. Bouddi National Park

Part rugged, coastal track, part boardwalk and beach, this 8km track leading from Putty to MacMasters, including Maitland bay and Little Beach, has lots of hills, bush trails and water views to keep you occupied.

    15. Pioneer dairy, wyong

A beautiful 5km track through the wetlands of Tuggerah.

Upcoming Running and Walking Events on the Central Coast

1. Bay to Bay

Test your endurance skills by getting involved in the Coast’s biggest running festival on Sunday 18^th June. There’s plenty of options to choose from – including the kids 2km, adults 5km and 12km fun runs/walks and the half marathon event.  The event supports some great charities, and every finisher gets some bling at the finish line!

2. RAW challenge

The RAW Challenge is back in Doyalson October 14^th. Get ready for 7km of 60+ obstacles taking you through mud pits and waterslides. Little ones are invited to conquer the 2.5k m course, and join you after for some delicious food and music from DJ Magoo.

3. 5 lands walk

Held on the Saturday closest to the winter solstice for its timely connection with the migration of the Darkinjung people’s significant whale totem, this 10km coastal walk is a physical, spiritual and cultural journey. It aims to connect people to people and place to place, whilst exploring the deep aboriginal history of Darkinjung land. There will be food, surf, bushwalks, art exhibitions and cultural tours on the way, as well as an opening ceremony the night before. A great event to get involved in!

4. Kokoda Challenge

For those who love a good outdoors challenge, save the date! On the 14^th October, the Kokoda Challenge will be coming to the Central Coast for the very first time in Olney State forest. Starting amongst the hills of Cooranbong, your team can choose to traverse either the 18km, 30km or 48km course, whilst also raising funds for the Kokoda youth foundation.

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