Want to run a marathon or half marathon? Sometimes all you need is a good event to get you out training. Have a read of some of my favourite races from around Australia.
These are some of the best races around so get training and set yourself a goal this year.
6. Great Ocean Road – This world famous section of coastline offers runners an amazing point to point marathon experience. It doesn't have the big crowds like the major city marathons and it is a challenging course with rolling hills but the views are world class.
5. Brisbane – The river city race is a gem worth checking out. The course follows the Brisbane River and takes in the Botanical Gardens, South Bank and the city. And the event is a good medium sized race that balances both atmosphere and room to move.
4. Traralgon – the best of the smaller local runs I have raced is Traralgon, in Victoria's Gippsland region. The course has a bit of a hill near the start but is overall flat and fast. The conditions are always cold, which is good for running and the country scenery a pleasure to run through. And even better is the amazing spread of food put on after the race!
3. Melbourne – one of the biggest events in Australia, the Melbourne Marathon has built a reputation as a great event. The course seems to change every few years but you will still take in the Botanic Gardens, the Yarra River, Flinders Street, St Kilda Boulevard and the beach near Albert Park.
2. Gold Coast – this is the big one. The biggest in Australia on Queensland's famous Gold Coast. The weather can get warm but the number of runners and the views of the beach make it a "bucket list" event for any runner. You will see why so many runners from Asia and Japan have this as their big race each year.
1 Canberra – The nation's capital has the best marathon, in my opinion. Canberra in April is still and cool making it perfect conditions for a run. The course around the lake, Parliament House and garden's is breathtaking. It has some challenging sections but you will love what you see. Be inspired to challenge yourself this year.
If you enjoy running why not step up to a half marathon or marathon at one of these brilliant races.
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and Pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html