Bibra Lake is one of Perth's hidden gems — a natural lake and wetland system in the southern suburbs that most visitors to the city never discover. The RunningWorks Festival has been making the most of it for years, building a loyal following with a well-organised event that uses the lake as the centrepiece of a World Athletics certified course that is both scenic and genuinely flat.
The course loops around Bibra Lake and through the surrounding Beeliar Regional Park wetlands. The lake environment means kangaroos on the course are not unusual, the air smells clean, and the flat terrain makes for fast times. July in Perth is the ideal running month: clear winter days, temperatures in the low-to-mid teens, and no humidity. All courses are World Athletics certified.
Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21.1km), 12km, and 6km. The format makes this accessible for runners of all levels — the 6km is a great entry point for first-timers while the certified marathon attracts competitive runners chasing qualification times.
The Beeliar Wetlands surrounding the lake are one of Perth's most important natural areas, and running through them on a July morning gives you a perspective on Perth's south that most visitors never get. The event draws a tight-knit Perth running community and has the warm atmosphere of an event that knows its regulars.
Bibra Lake is about 20km south of Perth CBD. There's no direct public transport to the lake, so a car is the practical option. Plenty of parking is available around the venue. The surrounding suburbs of Cockburn and Jandakot have good accommodation options if you're travelling from interstate.
