wellness
Lace Up: Local Fun Runs, Charity Walks and Community Fitness Events Coming to Point Cook
From the annual Sanctuary Lakes Fun Run to a new charity walk starting at Saltwater Coast, Point Cook's calendar is packed with group fitness events in July and August.
How we reported this
Thousands of trainers are being dusted off in Point Cook this month as the suburb prepares for a flurry of community fitness events, with locals of all ages registering for upcoming fun runs, charity walks and open-group workouts across parks and wetlands.
The surge in group exercise this winter comes as outdoor activity gains momentum among Point Cook residents keen to shake off sedentary routines and reconnect with neighbours. With the city’s rapid growth and tight-knit community culture, organisers say these events offer a welcome reason to get moving, support local causes and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Where to get active: Sanctuary Lakes, Saltwater Coast and more
The Sanctuary Lakes Fun Run returns to Greg Norman Drive on Sunday, 21 July, with 5km and 10km options looping around the lake’s walking trail. The event, hosted by the Sanctuary Lakes Community Association, is open to all fitness levels. Registration for adults is $25, with proceeds this year going to the Point Cook Homestead restoration fund. Families are encouraged to take part, with children under 12 able to join the 2km dash for $10.
Meanwhile, the newly launched Saltwater Coast Wellness Walk is set to debut on Saturday, 10 August. Walkers and runners will set off from the Saltwater Community Centre on Saltwater Promenade, following a 6km route along the Cheetham Wetlands trail. Organisers from Saltwater Coast Residents Group say the event, which asks for a $15 entry donation, will raise funds for Wyndham Community Support food programs. The group expects between 250 and 300 locals to attend based on early registrations.
Participation on the rise
Figures from Wyndham City Council show a marked increase in participation at local fitness events: in 2023, more than 2,000 runners and walkers took part in Point Cook’s officially permitted races and charity walks-up from approximately 1,500 in 2021. Parkrun Point Cook, held every Saturday morning at Dunnings Road Reserve, regularly attracts 180 to 220 runners weekly, according to Parkrun’s own event page.
Much of the interest comes from local parent groups, new residents seeking social connections, and fundraising teams from schools such as Point Cook P-9 College and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School. Community organisers report that group events not only drive physical activity but also help strengthen neighbourhood bonds that are especially valued in Point Cook’s suburban setting.
For those looking to join, advanced registration is advised, as places for the Sanctuary Lakes Fun Run typically fill a week before race day. Saltwater Coast’s event offers on-the-day registration but recommends early sign-up for group discounts. Both events operate rain or shine. More information and sign ups are available via the Sanctuary Lakes Community Association website and the Saltwater Coast Residents Group’s official Facebook page.
If lacing up for a group event seems daunting, Parkrun Point Cook provides a low-key introduction to community running, requiring only a free online registration to join any Saturday. As always, residents should consult a local GP before undertaking a new exercise regimen, especially if managing any health conditions.