beauty

The 6 best Brisbane runs for all fitness levels.

Image: It’s still crop top weather up in Brissie, right?

Over the last few months, we’ve brought you the best running spots (and post-run croissant coffee vendors) in Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.

Now we’re turning our attention further north, where the sun shines bright and the temperature is… well, slightly less icy this time of year. Yes, we’re a bit jealous down here.

RELATED: How I tricked myself into becoming a “running person”.

Brisbane/Brissie/BrisVegas babes, this one goes out to you.

1. Kangaroo Point

Places to run in Brisbane
The view from Kangaroo Point. Image: Wikipedia
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It's no wonder Brissie runners rave about this route — a view this beautiful is worth sweating for. Kangaroo Point and its riverside cliffs will make you work for it, though; there's a staircase with 107 steps that's notoriously steep and windy. You've been warned.

Distance: The 'river loop', taking in the Goodwill and Story bridges, the city Botanic gardens and Southbank, is around 7km in total.

Post-run coffee: Try The Baker's Arms in Wooloongabba.

2. University of Queensland

Places to run in Brisbane
Image: UQ
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Just because you're not studying there, doesn't mean you can't enjoy UQ's St Lucia campus. There's a popular track that runs through the uni grounds and the river and makes for a scenic, mostly flat jog. Listen to Vampire Weekend if you want to complete the preppy campus vibes.

RELATED: The 10 most popular songs Australians are working out to.

Distance: 4km (depending on where you start).

Post-run coffee: Saint Lucy's cafe.

3. Enoggera Creek bikeway

Image: Wikipedia
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Yes, it's called a bikeway, but don't let that deter you. This is a generally flat path that runs through the reserve alone Enoggera Creek, surrounded by greenery and gardens. Tip: there are plenty of signposts along the way to prevent you getting lost. It happens to the best of us. Another tip: if you go on the weekend, you can drop in at the organic farmers' markets at Northey Street Markets.

Distance: If you're feeling up to it, you can get a good 10km out of this path.

Post-run coffee: The Alcove Cafe and Deli is within walking distance, and one of our resident Brisbanites tells us it was once declared to have the best avo on toast in the city. The more you know.

4. City Botanic Gardens

Image: Wikimedia
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City slickers, this is a nice option for your lunch break run (or, okay, your weekend run). It's also a good choice for when you don't have time for a particularly long jog, or you like your running with a side of gorgeous.

Distance: 2km to 5km.

Post-run coffee: As you're right in the city, hit up Gramercy or Brew.

RELATED: 4 ways to make running a less boring experience.

5. Roma St Parkland

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Along with Spring Hill, this is another popular inner-city run. Apparently, Roma St Parkland is famous among plant and garden enthusiasts, so you know you'll have a lot of lovely foliage and flowers to distract you from all that huffing and puffing.

Post-run coffee: Melange, which is conveniently located inside the park so you won't have to stumble too far.

6. Mt Coot-tha trails

Places to run in Brisbane
The view from Mt Coot-Tha lookout. Image: Wikimedia
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Runners, mountain bikers and walkers alike love the various tracks and trails of Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane's highest peak. Perhaps the best part about running here is you can make the experience as easy or intense as you choose — some trails are flat, while others boast some really steep sections. The view from the top should serve as a reward for your burning calves.

Distance: Many of the tracks are around 2km long, but you can go for 10km if you're a masochist super committed.

Post-run coffee: Well, depending on your run this might be a halfway point coffee, but the Kuta cafe is right up on the lookout. Latte with a view, please.

What's your favourite place to pound the pavement?