03/10/2026
We focus our attention today on our new 21KM JACARANDA RUN™ route.
Instead of doing a double loop (every runner’s nightmare), we opted to flip and reverse the 10km route for a unique running experience. This means, like with Ironman, you will run back past the 10km runners so they can offer some much-needed support on the difficult sections. We must admit, the reverse of this route is actually quite pleasant and especially rewarding heading home for a sprint finish down 3rd Street, after some heavy climbing back to Linden!
We decided to showcase the lovely suburbs of Risidale and Darrenwood as part of this route. With this route, you will pass 4 green parks in this area, which is home to some of the most beautiful trees and birdlife in our city. You will also pass under one of the oldest Jacaranda trees in Risidale, and she’s majestic! This route also incorporates our 8km TT route with the revenge of Solerno hill, or The Irish Revenge, towards the end. Nearly every hill is a Strava section, so we suggest you start training!
21km Run start time: 6am
A total elevation of 130m, which is a lot steeper than our previous editions. The route will start with a tough climb up 3rd Street before you dip down to 9th. 9th Street also offers some of the most beautiful Jacaranda trees in Linden and will host WP1. From there you will turn back along the 5km route but then do a left turn into the top of Risidale. You will run up and around Mushroom Park, fondly so named for the Mushroom structures in the play park. Back in 1970, Mushroom Park even had a public swimming pool (remains can be seen at the top of the parking area). The route will follow along Verdi Avenue, and down into Mozart Rd, where Mozart Park will host WP 2. Here you can replenish under a big tree in the park, before cutting down to Risidale Primary and then passing under the old and very big Jacaranda tree. Be sure to take enough pictures here!
We have included some of the lesser-known streets in this area; pass by landmark Carvers Restaurant and Darrenwood Nature Reserve, home to Darrenwood Dam, known for its birdlife. There will be a left-turn loop added here at Durham Road, ONLY for the 21km athletes.
From here, continue working your way back past Emma Park, up ‘THE’ Irish Revenge hill back into Linden, left into 4th Street.
TURNAROUND will be further down in 4th Street; we are not that evil to take you all the way back to the club ; ). You will turn at the marshalled cone, receive your armband and then head back onto the same route but in reverse. So all the hills you hated will now be down! And you will pass all the 10km runners still coming. Be sure to smile wide and bright and look your best! You will then also pass all the water points in reverse, ending with the aid station on 3rd Street.
Your last climb will be a steep 4% gradient back up into the top of Linden before turning left into the glorious 3rd Street downhill to carry you home.
The Smackpix crew will be placed along the route to capture your best action moments, so big smiles when you see them, and to greet our friendly residents along the route.
There will be 4 aid stations on this route:
3km & 18km WP1&4 @ 9th Street – water and coke
6.5 km & 14km: WP2 & 3 Park – water, Coke, banana and snacks. This WP will be passed twice.
Finish: 21km route will end at our Clubhouse – finisher drink, toilets, and cash bar available.
Training tips:
By now you should easily manage your weekly total average of around 40-50km. As with the 10km, we suggest adding two hill repeat sessions and strength training. Doing a longer cooldown run after a hill or strength session would also help condition you to maintain your pace after a steep hill. Try to introduce fuel and food intake during your longer runs over the next two weekends. It's always wise to test any new gear and fuel ahead of a race. Less than 16days to go, so we suggest you make this last training block a quality one!
