Winter is just around the corner. Depending on where you live in Australia, the days will get shorter, the mercury will drop, bone-chilling winds will pick up, and bleak and wet days will keep you trapped inside.

For many runners, winter means their fitness goes into hibernation. But it doesn’t have to. There are plenty of benefits of running through winter including that cooler temperatures can support a personal best time as well as provide a welcome relief from sweaty summer and unpleasant chaffing.

I love running in winter. While I don’t like the cold weather at all, I find that running in frigid temperatures makes me more resilient to cold and wet weather. It’s invigorating to feel the chilled air pass through my nostrils, throat and into my lungs, and I’ve got to admit that there’s something appealing about heading out after dark and having a running track all to myself.

There’s another reason to keep running in winter, and that’s the awesome running events that are held across the country. From the weekly Saturday morning timed parkrun events, to muddy trail events and large events with thousands of participants, there’s an event for everyone. Check out these great winter running events and sign-up today.

1. The Trail Running Series – June to October

Keep your training on track by signing up to five magnificent trail running events in and around Melbourne. Each of The Trail Running Series events offers three distances such as 7km, 15km and 23km and two feature kids’ runs.

Sponsored by trail running enthusiasts The North Face, these nature-packed trail events promise to be friendly, enjoyable and challenging. From trail running at Westerfolds Park in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, to a beach run in Anglesea and finishing at a night race in Studley Park, make the most of winter and get outside, enjoy some fresh air and take your trail running to the next level.

2. Manly Soft Sand Classic – Monday, 12 June 

The Manly Soft Sand Classic is a 21km, 9km or 1.6km fun run along one of Sydney’s favourite beaches. It’s a great way to spend the Queen’s Birthday public holiday and if running on sand isn’t hard enough, you can take on the beep test later in the day for the ultimate fitness challenge. The great thing about this event is that all proceeds go to Manly Life Saving Club surf education programs to help continue to keep beautiful Manly Beach safe.

3. Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run – Sunday, 16 July

The 31st annual Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run is back in 2017! Come and see why thousands of runners return each year for Queensland’s most scenic fun run. Held at Woody Point in the Moreton Bay region, the event is open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking the step into your first ever fun run, the Jetty 2 Jetty has a race category to suit you like a 21km, 10km, 5km and 3km.

4. Resolution Run Series – Sunday, 23 July 

Race three of the Resolution Run Series is held at Lake Tuggeranong in Canberra. The event features a 800m kids run, 3km run, 7.3km run/walk, 14km run, half marathon and full marathon. All of the events aim to awareness of issues affecting men’s health such as testicular cancer, depression and suicide and prostate cancer. The July event is dedicated to raising awareness of men’s mental health and depression. So embrace the freezing cold Canberra weather and strap on your runners for a great cause.

5. Australian Outback Marathon 

Although the Australian Outback Marathon race is popular with local runners, for most, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. It’s not every day marathoners get to take in the stunning views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) as the kilometres tick by.

Enjoyed by both professional runners, casual runners  and beginners, there are events for all running levels including the full marathon, half marathon, 11km and 6km fun runs. In addition to its beauty, the course is relatively flat, with only a couple inclines and sand dunes. Most of the course is on unsealed roads, bush tracks and soft-sand trails, with a few small sand dunes and plenty of Australia’s famed “Red Earth” thrown in for good measure.

6. Perth Half Marathon – Sunday, 6 August

This community event is run by the West Australian Marathon Club Inc. with the proceeds donated to the Lions Save Sight Foundation.  Participants can walk or run 5km or run a Half Marathon.

7. Run Larapinta – Friday, 11 August

Run Larapinta is a 4 day, 4 stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Northern Territory. It includes long course and short course options and is a life changing experiece for anyone who gives it a go.

The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most spectacular walking trails and trekking experiences as it traverses an iconic 223km route from the Historic Telegraph Station at Alice Springs to the lofty summit of Mt Sonder in the MacDonnell Ranges.

8. City2Surf – Sunday, 13 August 

Now in its 47th year, the The Sun-Herald City2Surf  is the world’s largest fun run. The 14km run starts from Hyde Park in Sydney’s CBD and winds its way through inner city suburbs, then up the notorious “Heartbreak Hill” and also the most scenic part of the course. Finishing at the world famous and spectacular Bondi Beach, this race is definitely a bucket list event for competitive and recreational runners alike.

9. Adelaide Marathon Festival – Sunday, 20 August 

Now in its 38th year, the Adelaide Marathon is a highlight of the winter running calendar, with local, national and international runners competing in the 42.2km AIMS and IAAF certified course course.

10. Sandy Point Half Marathon – Sunday, 27 August 

With a half marathon, 10km, 5km and 3km (kids) line up of events, the Sandy Point Half Marathon by Sole Motive is one way to stop dreading winter and instead own it! Held along the streets of Melbourne’s iconic bayside, starting at Green Point, Brighton the half marathon is an out and back time two course with undulating hills and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay.