Having recently relocated to Perth from Gaborone, I’m doing what I do best – discovering a new city on the run. What better way to do this then with one of Perth’s most popular running routes, the Bridges Run? Its official start is Wesley College Boatshed in South Perth with Elizabeth Quay being another popular starting point. But given that this is a circular/ loop run, the start point is quite arbitrary. So, I chose to start at a place closest to me which was Coode Street Jetty.
Before I set off, I took a couple of minutes to just admire my surroundings. There were several sailboats on the shore with bright yellow life jackets perched on poles, and an Australian flag flying lazily in the background.
It was around 07:20 am and on the path, there were several runners and walkers, young and old, some with dogs and others with strollers, some alone and others in groups, and some already sweaty and shirtless. I looked across the Swan River taking note of the city centre’s towering buildings, with the beautiful blue sky forming the perfect backdrop.
The loop can be completed in either direction, but I’d read that the ‘purists’ prefer anticlockwise – and not wanting to be unpure on my first run, I ran it anticlockwise. However, I quickly discovered there were several people (maybe even more?) going in the opposite direction. Throughout the run, the gorgeous Perth skyline, the Swan River, Kings Park, and South Perth’s parkland, majestically featured. I was worried about somehow getting lost, but I needn’t have as the route was quite obvious and at slightly awkward intersections like Bell Tower (featured below) or Narrows Bridge, someone in front always seemed to know what they were doing.
Given its name, I must talk about the actual bridges! There were three – the Causeway Bridge (also known as Boorloo Bridge) went from Victoria Park to Perth’s CBD and was the most magnificent of the three, largely because when I got on it, I discovered it was ONLY for pedestrians and cyclists.
The next bridge, Elizabeth Quay Bridge, came when I had run past the Bell Tower and Barrack Street Jetty, and it stood out to me for its wooden decking. The final bridge (and least interesting) was Narrows Bridge, between Point Lewis and Mill Point. This bridge took me to South Perth Esplanade which featured a lot of fancy apartments, restaurants and neat structures like this.
At this point, I was about 2km from my start point and used my last bit of energy to push ahead. When I got to the end, I realised it was just short of 10 km so I ran up and down, for another 300m or so, to bring it to a round 10km.
This month marks EIGHT years of running for me, and quite aptly, this is probably the prettiest route I’ve ever run! The spectacular views were CONSISTENT throughout the run. I was either looking across the iconic Swan River, admiring the interesting buildings up close or enjoying the panoramic views from atop the bridges. On a practical note – there were several waterpoints and toilet stops, and several people to keep me motivated, especially as I was running alone.
Do you have something similar to the Bridges Run in your town or city? Do you live next to a major river or ocean?
I’m joining two amazing runners, Kim from Running on the Fly and Deborah from Confessions from a Mother Runner for their link up, the “Weekly Run Down.
The Gaborone Runner 
I had no idea that you moved to Australia, so I’ll be doing some back reading. If this run is any example of what it’s like where you now live, you’ll be enjoying a lot of pretty views!
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Arrived exactly two weeks ago, so you’re not too behind with the latest in my world 🤣
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Oh wow had no idea that you moved! How exciting! That’s the best way to see a new city. Can’t wait to see more from you
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It’s a very recent development! 😁 Thank you, can’t wait to show you all more of this new city!
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Wow. Now you live in Australia – at least the same southern hemisphere so no weather shock.
Your run looks so beautiful. Can’t wait to see all your pix from your new runs.
I live near the Hudson R but it’s not too scenic. When I travel to Florida… the ocean or Gulf is my favorite view. I love the water.
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Will take full advantage of our stay here to run as many places as possible!
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Like the previous commenters stated, I didn’t realize you’d move to Perth, Australia. I’ll have to go back to read about your move.
Congrats on eight years of running – you chose a gorgeous route to celebrate!
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It’s just been 2 weeks, so you are not too far behind in terms of the latest news! 😁
Thank you! Had no idea this route with be this gorgeous but my goodness, I’ll be doing this route several times while I am here!!
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WOW! A new location to not only run but set-up homestead. I’m excited for you and your new locale, but I totally know what it’s like to transition to a new place. I hope all goes well as you acclimate to your new surroundings and explore all things sin the running shoes. What a great celebration run 😉
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Thank you, Kim! I’m excited about the opportunity and the new adventures that await us. So happy I got to celebrate my runniversary at this spot!
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It’s a beauriful loop isn’t it? I’ve walked it and never tire of the views! I sent you an email on the weekend, hope you got it! X
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Stunning!!!! And I’m sure each time I do it, I’ll notice something different. It was incredible. Yes – got your email, thank you so much, I’ll be in touch 🙏🤩
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That sounds like an amazing route! That would motivate me to do a 10K every weekend.
Glad you are enjoying your new locale.
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Right?! Firstly, running at sea level and then these views, I have NO excuse not to pull off a 10k every weekend! 🤣
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It’s so good to “see” you again! And how exciting to have somewhere new to explore on your runs! Love this for you! Congratulations on your move- wishing you the best of everything!
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Thank you, Jenn! Didn’t mention it in the blog, but I saw so many pugs on this route and thought of you each time! 🤣
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This run sounds incredible!!! Why are bridges so much fun? I didn’t know you moved- you are no longer the “Gaborone Runner!”
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You would absolutely love it, Jenny! Always The Gaborone Runner 🤣 Just the Gaborone Runner Down Under at the moment 🤣
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Wow you relocated to Perth!! How exiting! I must have missed a post about this. Need to go back and catch up! Was it for work?
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Very exciting and scary at the same time as you of course know from your move to London. For my husband’s work.
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Happy runniversary! That’s crazy – I remember when you first started running and look at how far you’ve come! Keep running and keep motivating the rest of us
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Can you believe it’s been this long! Seems like just yesterday that I set off on this journey 😱
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