Course description:
The run is located in the Evandale lake parkland, along the edge of the Nerang River. I really enjoyed the variety of scenery on this parkrun. There is lots to look at, with the river, lake, sculptures, trees, chapel, waterfront homes and the surfers skyline, so it's an interesting run, which has the added bonus of stopping you thinking too much about the fact you are running 5kms.
The start is at the back of HOTA, next to the lake, by the playground. Run towards the river and turn left. Run along past the little white chapel and sculptures, carrying on to a turnaround point on the grass. Head back along same path, go under the bridge and continue to another turn around point on the grass. Run back to the bridge which you cross over and back then begin a second lap of the section – bridge to second turn around point. Cross the bridge over and back and finish back at the start.
It's straightforward when you run it. Look at the map and view the route as: Out to river, run to left out and back, continue to right out and back, bridge over and back, repeat run to right out and back, bridge over and back, finish.
The first section to the left has uneven parts on the path so watch your footing. It was also damp with leaves in parts when I ran it.
Great if you have only completed dead flat 5km runs, such as the Paradise Point parkrun and aren't quite ready for a hilly course. The bridge offers a nice transition run from flat to hills - with a short up, that you know will be immediately followed by a down. You will cross the bridge and return, twice on this run. You could also have a swim in the lake at the end. The route is visually fun to run.
Running with friends from my homerun and the coffee afterwards, the waterfront homes and Surfers skyline in the morning sun, the light in the trees in the Evandale Lake precinct, the people fishing on the riverbank and the rowers sculling under the bridge as I ran over it.
HOTA – Home of the Arts (formerly the Arts Centre), 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Start:
Go round the back of the HOTA building to the river. The start is at the playground, opposite the Lakeside Room.
Time: Every Sat at 7am.
Parking:
In the carpark at HOTA (4 hrs free). As you turn in to HOTA at the lights, keep left and park around the back LHS of the building. Allow time to enter your car details at the machine.
Facilities: Toilets and children's playground.
Post run coffee: There are a number of cafes to choose from in the area. We walked over the bridge to Chevron Island and enjoyed coffee at The Leanchef Kitchn.
Date run: 30.4.22. Field size that day: 89
