If exercise is medicine and nature is healing, trail running is potentially a wonder drug.
This pursuit has runners going over bush tracks, winding through trees and testing themselves over varying terrain.
If there’s one thing that separates trail runners from the pack, it’s their level of happiness, says Melina Mellino, director of Perth Trail Series.
She says pavement runners who try trails are boosted by new challenges.
“On the trail, you lose time,” Ms Mellino says. “Coming over from road running to trail running, you just have to forget about times or splits or any of that.
“The ones who do cross over do see significant improvement with their road times as well.
“I think trail runners are really happy. When you’re doing something that you enjoy, that translates.
Going up the hills, that is nature teaching you to challenge yourself.
“You’re always going to get stronger when you’re running up something (rather) than just flat.
Ms Mellino came to trail running in her native US, where it’s a popular sport.
Perth Trail Series offers 17 events over the year. The whimsical spirit of the events is reflected in their names: Wallygrunta (at Walyunga), Lake Lash Dash (for women), Snakes N Ladders.
The organisation hosts monthly runs in the Hills and there is a one-hour run in Kings Park at 6pm every Thursday. It covers 8-10km and is ideal for newcomers.
“That is a great way for people to get started because it’s quite flat, it’s non-technical, your cell phone is always working so you can’t get lost in Kings Park,” Ms Mellino says.
“You can always make your way back to a footpath if you do get out of your comfort zone.
“This run is very social and it’s just to help encourage the guys who work in the city to get out to the trail more often or anyone interested, if they don’t want to commit to doing an event, they can just come out and meet other people, have a chat and just get the vibe.
We’re very much motivated by nature’s beauty.
There is also a women’s only event made up of a 3km loop that can be run once or as many times as desired in the three-hour time limit.
So how does a non-runner or devoted pavement runner tackle their first trail? Ms Mellino says you can worry about having the right equipment or just give it a go.
No littering. If caught, you will be disqualified.
No short cuts. Same penalty as above.
Mandatory hydration to be carried in every event: 500ml container is minimum but check event site for amounts.
Bibs must be worn on the front and visible at all times. No bib, no race. We take “ghosting” very seriously — that is, running the course without being part of the event. This is not allowed.
If you need to retire early from the event (DNF), you must notify a race volunteer as soon as possible. We cannot pack up and go home with people unaccounted for.
Resolving to start running — or resume the sport you once loved — is a clear and admirable goal. But there are dozens of ways to be a runner.
You could run the same path with your friend every morning, knocking off the same 5km and feeling safe in a routine.
Or you could hit the bush by yourself, making your own trail and forgetting about time and distance.
Or, as many do, you could join a group or club and be guided by a program.
Running clubs offer camaraderie and tips. And often there’s a social benefit too.
People run for different reasons and there are running groups for almost every one of those reasons. Here’s how to find your crowd, and run with them.
Carry the motto Uncivilise Yourself while you run through some of WA’s stunning landscapes.
Despite the name, the club runs events from 3-64km. Charity runs are included on the calendar.
For men and women aged 30-plus. The club aims to provide training and competition opportunities.
Run free at these weekly, 5km timed runs. Parkruns are held around the world so you can keep training while travelling.
Camera IconBroome Hash House Harriers.
HHH is a longstanding institution which traces its history to the Kuala Lumpur expat community of the 1930s. Some clubs are gender specific.
A social running movement in collaboration with Lululemon Athletica.
Race calendar, results, news and connection to clubs near you.
Plan your training, plan your year with a fun run calendar.
The Perth Marathon will have a new look — and date — this year. It will become a feature of the Perth Running Festival on October 6, and will be a road race. The marathon will finish inside Optus Stadium.