Seven Rewarding Pit Stops to Make When You're Tackling the Bay Run

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Sydney's inner west Bay Run is a popular loop for joggers, cyclists, walkers and even roller skaters. The seven-kilometre circuit follows the shoreline round Iron Cove, crossing Parramatta River, and offers water views all the way round. An easy trail with separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, the full circuit takes in six different suburbs, including Drummoyne, Lilyfield and Five Dock, which means there's a lot to distract you along the way if you're planning to make a day of it. We've partnered with Adidas to bring you seven pit stops en route, starting at Leichhardt Oval car park and following the path anti-clockwise. Take a look, then plan your own adventure using the map below.

Artem Beliaikin

CALLAN PARK OVAL

From the car park, a scenic jaunt along the riverside path will bring you to Callan Park in just over one kilometre. Callan Park Oval is dog friendly so it's the ideal place to take a rest and pet a pupper or two. Plus, you get the chance to gaze out over Iron Cove while giving belly rubs to all the deserving good boys and girls you encounter on the way. However, if your priority is burning off some more calories, nearby Waterfront Drive is ideal for adding in a few extra hill sprints.

Ayo Ogunseinde; Unsplash

CONSTELLATION PLAYGROUND AND OUTDOOR GYM

At King George Park in Rozelle, you'll find Constellation Playground, named for its space theme. There's plenty here for kids big and small, such as a flying fox, sandpit and a tripod swing. Use the opportunity to hydrate at the public water fountains and, having done that, why not tackle the fitness equipment too? The calisthenics set-up includes pull-up bars, an incline sit-up bench and more. Of course, being the Bay Run, there are stunning water views meaning there's plenty more to look at during your work-out than what you'd find at your local indoor gym.

Canada Bay Council

DRUMMOYNE SWIMMING CENTRE

Cross Iron Cove Bridge and you'll reach Drummoyne Swimming Centre. The Olympic-sized saltwater pool is maintained at a constant 27 degrees, so you can either blow away the cobwebs with a few freestyle lengths in the fast lane, or just relax in the balmy temperatures of the designated leisure section. There's also a grassy area beside the pool if you'd rather while away the time soaking up the rays and people watching. Either way, you're sure to leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next section. Early birds can visit the pool from 5.30am onwards Monday to Friday, or from 6am on Saturdays. Casual entry is $7.20.

Flickr; Rob Smith

RODD PARK

OK, so technically Rodd Park isn't part of the Bay Run. But, it's a great way to get a little extra distance into your circuit while sticking to the water's edge. Just think of the added step count. The peninsula is a popular barbecue and picnic spot, and it also contains Dobroyd Aquatic Club, where you can watch skiffs, dinghies and windsurfers in an environment relatively low on traffic. If you're looking for something more competitive, racing season runs from September to April, with races taking place every Saturday afternoon.

Kera Wong Photography

HABERFIELD ROWERS CLUB & RESTAURANT

From sails to oars, make your way from Rodd Park to Haberfield Rowers Club and Restaurant. It's home to UTS Rowing Club, but your focus here is on refuelling. The restaurant has a variety of brunch options from classics like eggs benedict to the enticing miso and maple salmon dish. Since you're circumnavigating the Bay Run, you may be keen for a quick and healthy feed. The Bay Run Chia Bowl comes with seasonal fruit, seeds and goji berries for $16. If you're after a caffeine fix, you can get takeaway coffee from the restaurant's hole-in-the-wall kiosk.

Flickr; Aundray Cheam

LEICHHARDT PARK

Back to where it all began. It's time to cool down with some all-important stretching. While looking after your calves and quads, take a glance at what's going on over at the oval. Everyone knows about the 20,000-seater stadium on the outskirts of the park, but next to the aquatic centre is a smaller, public oval. Here, you can find a variety of games taking place, from rugby to touch footy and baseball. Make sure you don't get too engrossed though — you still need to stretch out those hammies.

ORANGE GROVE MARKET

A short hop from the Bay Run is Orange Grove Market, a weekly organic produce market that takes place every Saturday morning at Orange Grove Public School. If you've finished your run before 1pm, make your way up Lilyfield Road then Perry Street for an inner west favourite: the market's famed bacon and egg rolls. As well as being a superb place to pick up a brekkie roll, the market also has a range of groceries, crafts, flowers and fair trade goods, plus pony rides and a bouncy castle. Reward your seven kilometres with a hearty feed and a rest in the shaded areas. You've earned it.

In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Sydney.

Top image: Ben Williams Photography