So, you’ve signed up for your first half marathon in Perth. Or you’re at least thinking about it. First of all, nice one. The decision alone takes guts. But training for a half shouldn’t be just about racking up kilometres.
In Perth, it’s also about training smart. That means paying attention to the seasons, your body, and yes, even the trails.
Here’s how to get prepped, without burning out (literally or figuratively).
Mind the Heat
If you’ve lived through even one summer here, you already know, Perth doesn’t mess around. Training through January? You’ll need to adjust. Run early, or run late. Shade is your friend. Hydration isn’t optional.
When things heat up, pace yourself. And no, that’s not just a metaphor. Slow your runs, especially the long ones. It’s tempting to power through, but training in peak heat often does more harm than good.
You’re better off swapping an outdoor session for treadmill intervals or shifting your weekly long run to sunrise on a Saturday.
Pick your Surface: Trail or Road?
Not all kilometres are created equal. Perth has no shortage of scenic routes, but choosing the right running trail in Perth can help build strength and protect your joints.
Bold Park, for instance, offers soft trails with just enough hills to keep things interesting (and make race day feel easier). Kings Park mixes flat stretches with shady bushland, great for steady mid-week efforts.
If your race is on the road (and most are), try to include both surfaces in your plan. Trails build endurance and balance. Road running prepares your legs for the pounding they’ll take on race day. Bit of both? Best of both.
Plan Around Perth’s Seasons
Summer demands flexibility. Autumn’s perfect. Winter brings cooler air, but darker mornings. Spring can be brilliant if you’re not sneezing through it.
If your half marathon Perth goal falls in spring or autumn, plan a 10–12 week lead-up starting in cooler months. That gives you enough time to gradually increase mileage, avoid injury, and still enjoy a social life.
Key Tips for Your Half Marathon in Perth
- Hydrate beyond the run. You’ll sweat more than you think. Stay ahead of it.
- Use local races as benchmarks. Parkruns or 10k events can help break up the plan.
- Get comfy with early starts. It’s cooler, quieter, and the sunrise isn’t bad either.
- Find a crew. Joining a local group helps, Rise and Run, perhaps?
Crossing the Finish Line
Training for your first half marathon in Perth is about adapting to what the climate throws at you. Some runs will feel tough. Some will feel brilliant. Most will be somewhere in between.
But if you show up, listen to your body, and trust the process, you’ll get there. And the finish line? Worth every step.