The Ten Best Inner City Running Trails in Auckland

With the help of adidas Run Club, we here at Concrete Playground have a newfound appreciation for running. Yes, we are officially full-time fitness enthusiasts. Ok, part-time fitness enthusiasts.

Seeing we're probably more known for covering distances between restaurants, bars and cafés than routes of endurance, we have enlisted some specialists to help with this one. Thanks to our new regular Run Club nights with adidas, and the social element that it brings with it, we were able to discuss the intricacies with adidas ambassador Aaron Boslem.

Hi Aaron. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Aaron and I am originally from Wellington, but currently based in Auckland. Between working as a sports performance coach at MovementLAB in Grey Lynn, I am studying towards a masters in sports science, and acting as an ambassador for adidas. I am a huge fan of getting outside and am a frequent visitor to a handful of the running tracks on this list - all of which are amazing places to help keep you motivated throughout your run.

You play a regular part with adidas Run Clubs. Why do you think it is so successful?

The positive environment and focus on enjoyment are major contributors to its success. This is developed through the set-up at Platinum Sports and facilitated by the awesome team of pace setters and ambassadors from adidas. With the recent addition of guest speakers and a social evening, it is fast becoming a hub for runners of all ages and abilities, which makes for an amazing evening.

What are some of the routines you go through before and after you run?

Pre-run I am a huge fan of a small walk to loosen up and get in the zone. All my runs start with a 2-3 minute walk to help clear my mind, prepare my body, and focus on the run ahead. Post-run I enjoy a stretch in the sun and follow it up with a either a shake or a meal.

So with summer tapping on the pane of our thermal curtained windows, knocking on our draft-stopped door and pulling at our thickest socks, we thought it might be time to pound the ground in preparation. To truly cease these extra sunlight hours, not to mention skip the traffic queues, why not switch the polyester pants for your sweats and go for a run on any one of these inner city trials, and thanks to adidas Ambassador Aaron Boslem for some extra challenges/tips below. A big thanks also to one of the fittest photographers in Auckland Jared Woolf for the shots.

Mount Eden

Proudly poking out of Auckland, Mount Eden has to be one of the most popular inner city running trials. The road that runs the circumference of the mountain was restricted to cyclists and foot traffic many moons ago and now serves the purpose of a steadily inclined route guiding you to the peak and glorious lookout over our city. Take the time to walk around the crater and gander at every direction the city of sails juts out in before your decent.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Salut the city with a range of yoga poses or a set of high intensity movements (perform three to four rounds for a total time between 6 to 10 mins).

Viaduct Boardwalk/Point Erin Loop

Starting from Point Erin park you're able to leg it down the set of stairs tucked behind the pools. Then, going against the northern traffic, follow the pathway sheltered by the large noise reducing plastic and Herne Bay mansions to a bridge. Heading north over the motorway and you'll end up at the beginning of the newly built Viaduct Boardwalk (or board-run in this case). Move over Jesus, because you're able to literally run on water, right back around to under the Harbour Bridge. All while being mesmerised by the glassy bay and expensive yachts, you may even forget you're exercising. Continue back around for this calculated circuit to connect you back up to your starting point.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Throw in an extra lap or three of the stairs below Point Erin Park - or if you want a real challenge, complete 10 to 20 burpees at the bottom of the stairs between each set (aim to complete 3 to 5 rounds).

Tamaki Drive

Hugging the edge of the Auckland harbour from The Ports of Auckland to St Heliers Bay, Tamaki Drive is somewhat of an institution when it comes to exercise related activities. So ditch the bus, park the car and lock up the scooter, the great thing is you can start anywhere along this road. Let the sea breeze hit your face while you're being captivated by the views from across the big ocean blue to the North Shore, Rangitoto and Brown's Island. Be warned, stay out of the cycle lane, those damned dads armed with frighting children will be tearing up behind you on their bikes and a training wheel in the calf is unpleasant.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Make the most of the flat track and even ground by working on your speed - between each tree or lamp post, increase the speed of your run (work from a jog to a run, run to sprint, sprint to max effort, and then return to a jog - complete at least 5 rounds).

Auckland Domain

Located on the knuckle of Grafton, the Auckland Domain provides a unique mix of terrains to navigate. From the winding duck ponds and grassy meadows to the hardened road engulfing this symbol of the city. There's plenty of nooks, crannies and millennium statues to explore, so switch up your route to refresh the scenery. Or, just take a lap around the Museum and make like Rocky up the stairs. There's nothing better than a montage to get the blood pumping.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Whether it is a lap around the museum or a jog through the gardens, add to the intensity by adding a set of squats and push ups at the beginning of each lap or every minute of running (start with 6 reps of each and then add an extra 3 reps for each lap/minute - work up into the 20s)

Orakei Basin

Again, perched on the side of the sea, although it feels more like a lake, Orakei Basin has an ideal loop to sweat it out on. Take off from the car park on the west end, where you can follow the concrete path around and into the established bush. But be careful as the path quickly becomes violently uneven for the ankles. You'll hit a clearing and find the Auckland Water Ski Club. If you're lucky they might be training, which is not just interesting but it's a great excuse to catch your breath before the stair climb. That's right, hidden behind the building is a set of stairs to pummel those thighs. Taking you up to the road, head directly across and back down to the boardwalk across the water. Finally, without missing the stairs sharp on your left, back down to the starting point.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Use the first part of the run to warm up your legs before you hit the stairs - here, challenge yourself with a few sets of repeat efforts (aim to complete 5-10 rounds on the stairs, work with a 1:1 work:rest ratio - try skipping a few stairs each time to add to the intensity).

Western Springs Park

There's nothing more invigorating than duck poo and the possibility of being eaten by eels. The inner city location of this vitality, Western Springs, is home to 125% of Auckland's duck and geese population, not to mention the eels. So, while you jog lakeside be sure to keep the music low and guard high. Because around every corner, lying on every tuft of grass, there's an impending duck to dodge or goose to just flee from. Word to the wise, leave the dog and bread crumbs at home. But hey, if you want to use this to your advantage, nesting season is upon us, that can really make you break a sweat.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Throughout the run, keep an eye out for benches - here you will need to complete a quick fire circuit to help tones and strengthen your legs, arms, and core (at the bench, complete 10-20 reps of each of the following - squat jumps, push ups, alternating step ups, crunches). 

Oakley Esplanade

That's right Aucklanders, little did you know we have an inner city waterfall. Located right behind the Point Chev Unitech, Oakley Creek Falls is a powerful display of mother nature, unless it hasn't rained in ages, then it resembles little more than a dripping tap. So, if you decide to drive, you're best to park up at Cowley St and cross Great North Road at the pedestrian crossing. Follow the Oakley Creek Walkway for five minutes, which leads you up to the waterfall's lookout. From there you can head into the bush on the Oakley Creek Walkway loop which, depending on your fitness level, is about 15-minutes long.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Use the small walk to the lookout to warm yourself up - from there, jump on the loop and set your stop watch for some sprints (40s jog/run, 20s sprint - complete as many rounds or loops in 20-30mins).

Cox's Bay Reserve

These sports fields not only play host to an array of athleticism games (read: ultimate frisbee), they also clutch onto a fantastic running track around the outer rim. The bonus is it's fully pathed, which is perfect for these last couple of muddier months. You'll be whisked around the edge of the fields and down next to the mangroves, with plenty of directional options on the way. If you're game, try out the circuit training Auckland council kindly set up for everyone to use...or was it a subtle hint? Who knows?

Expert Tip/Challenge: Use the park for a series of sprints and strength work following a jog or two around the reserve - set a sprint distance and complete 10x squat jumps at one end and 10x power push ups at the other (aim to complete at least 6 rounds or 3 sets of each movement).

Western Park

Edging onto Ponsonby Road, Western Park screams 'let's do exercise', in fact, it forces you. Oh yeah, you might be all rainbows and daisies when you reach the bottom, misleading you with its A-grade ready-lawn looking grass (honestly, it's comfier than my mattress). But what a fool. As when you turn around, you're faced with a sweat producing, heart pumping uphill climb back to the top. Clambering you're way, warning other descending of your pearls and misjudgements. At least nature is on our side as the tall trees shade us from the sun.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Want a change for striding up the stairs? Use the hills in Western Park to help lift the intensity and burn some fat - either complete a series of full length sprints or use some landmarks to complete a series of smaller sprints as you make your way to the top (aim to complete at least 3-5 minutes of high intensity bursts - eg: 10x 30s sprints).

Nelson Street Cycleway

The most talked about flyover in the country. The Pink Path, most commonly used as a way for cyclists to commute, also offers runners a safe and easy running track. Even after the sun sets. That's correct, the pathway is lit up by hundreds of long lights following you along which means you can see when another person is coming. It's only a ten minute run max so extend it either side by heading up K' Road or down Nelson Street.

Expert Tip/Challenge: Park at the top of the cycleway and jog down to the bottom. On your way back up try and reach the top as fast as possible (bank the time, and try beat it - if you can't, then the difference between times dictates the amount of time you need to either plank, squat, push up, or crunch for. Eg: 20s slower = 20s of planking, 20s of squats, 20s of push ups etc).