Lace up those running shoes, grab your earbuds, crank the tunes and get ready to chase that runner’s high! 
 
If you work in or near the city during the week and you’re using your work lunch break to get those clicks up in prep for runner festival season whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to pounding the pavement, no one likes getting stuck behind pedestrians and having to wait at crossings.
 
We’ve got you with our top picks of routes to explore on your lunch break or after work to get those km’s in ahead of one or multiple running events you might be participating in.
 
Barangaroo Reserve to Sydney Opera House
For a conveniently located run right in the hustle and bustle of the CBD, take in some iconic Sydney landmarks from Barangaroo Reserve through to the Sydney Opera House. Lace up, head to the edge of Barangaroo Reserve and follow the path and boardwalks along the water towards Circular Quay and the Opera House, then loop back the way you came. We wouldn’t blame you if you choose to stop to take a breather along the way to soak up the epic harbour views!
 
Sydney Park
Sydney Park (pictured above) in St Peters sits at the bottom of King Street and is another outdoor fitness gem near the concrete jungle. Whether you want to run straight there and back depending on your starting point, or do the easy 2-kilometre track that circles the park, you’ll get to take in the parks gardens and rolling hills. If you need a spot to stretch or take a short break, you can find pretty impressive city skyline views from the highest hilltop in the park.
 
Victoria Park and University of Sydney
Despite its central location, Victoria Park stays relatively quiet during the middle of the day so you won’t be fighting any crowds here. If your office is closer to the Inner West, the easiest place to clock up those uninterrupted k’s up is through Victoria Park, right off Broadway where Parramatta Road and City Road intersect. Follow the paved pathways around or through the park, then continue towards Newtown into the labyrinth of the grounds of the University of Sydney — thank goodness for GPS! 
 
Blackwattle Bay 
The track hugs the water and overlooks the ANZAC Bridge, so you can expect to be treated with fantastic views of the city skyline on this run. Blackwattle Bay Run is undoubtedly a Sydney favourite, a fairly easy 5-kilometre, mostly paved loop along Blackwattle Bay and Rozelle Bay. If you have a hectic work day and don’t make it out for lunch, hop down for a pre-work or sunset run for the most idyllic views.
 
Bay Run (Iron Cove)
Got a little more time up your sleeve? Another favourite for local runners, the Bay Run, also known as Iron Cove, is a 7-kilometre run in the Inner West. The paved pathway along Iron Cove Bay hits a few different spots, including Leichardt Park, Rodd Park, Rodd Point, Timbrell Park, and Robson Park, while also serving up some scenic water views to keep you company along the way.
 
Remember to visit our What’s On page for upcoming Sydney running events including the upcoming Real Insurance 5&10k run that’s suitable for the whole fam! Did we mention it’s retro themed this year?

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