parkrun and the Best Places to Run Across Tasmania

Every Saturday morning, free timed 5km parkrun events take place at multiple locations across Tasmania, welcoming walkers, joggers and seasoned runners alike. Parkrun is entirely free to participate in and requires only a one-time online registration to receive a personal barcode. Once registered, you can run at any parkrun location in the world. In Tasmania, events are held in Hobart, Launceston and a growing number of regional sites, each with its own character and community.

In Hobart, the Montrose Bay parkrun follows a flat course along the shores of the Derwent, making it accessible for beginners and fast enough for those chasing a personal best. The weekly gathering has grown into a genuine community ritual, with regulars, tourists and first-timers all mixing in the same friendly start corral. Volunteers are the backbone of every event, and new volunteers are always welcome. After the run, many participants head to a nearby cafe, extending the social side of the morning.

Launceston's parkrun events make excellent use of the city's riverside trails and parkland. The Tamar River foreshore and the Cataract Gorge precinct are among the most scenic running corridors in regional Australia, offering flat stretches alongside the water as well as more challenging terrain for those who want it. Running clubs in both cities, including the Hobart Harriers and running groups affiliated with parkrun, organise mid-week training runs that complement the Saturday event.

Beyond parkrun, Tasmania is a genuinely world-class destination for trail running. The network of tracks on kunanyi / Mount Wellington above Hobart ranges from gentle fire-trail loops to technical single-track that tests experienced runners. The Blue Derby trail network in the north-east, better known as a mountain-biking mecca, also offers exceptional trail running through towering forest. Race events including the Point to Pinnacle in November give runners a formal goal to train towards.

Whether you are new to running or looking to push your limits, Tasmania's combination of flat riverside paths, accessible parkland and spectacular mountain terrain means there is always a route to discover. Check the parkrun Australia website for event locations, start times and registration, and explore Sport and Recreation Tasmania's resources for local running clubs and guided trail programs.

Sources: parkrun Australia Sport and Recreation Tasmania

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