7 Running Routes Near FUSE Gym Clubs
The treadmill is great. But sometimes you need fresh air, a view, and the smug feeling of having run somewhere nice. Here's a running route near each FUSE Gym club. Run it before a session, after a session, or instead of one on a sunny day (we'll allow it).
Always run on footpaths and park paths, wear something bright in the dark, and tell someone where you're going.
1. Artane: St Anne's Park, Raheny
Start: FUSE Gym Artane, Artane Place, Kilmore Road (club page)
Route: Head towards Raheny and into St Anne's Park, one of Dublin's biggest parks, with tree-lined paths and loops of different lengths. Run a loop or two and head back.
Why we like it: Wide paths, loads of shade and options to make it as short or as long as you like.
2. Blanchardstown: the Royal Canal Greenway
Start: FUSE Gym Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown Corporate Park (club page)
Route: Join the Royal Canal Greenway, the flat, traffic-free canal path that runs through Dublin 15, and run out and back as far as you like.
Why we like it: Flat, scenic and off the road. Perfect for steady runs.
3. Smithfield: the Phoenix Park
Start: FUSE Gym Smithfield, Blackhall Place (club page)
Route: Head west towards the Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe, and pick a loop. Chesterfield Avenue is long and straight for steady running, or explore the side paths.
Why we like it: Deer, open space, and you're never far from the city centre.
4. Bray: the seafront and Bray Head
Start: FUSE Gym Bray, Quinsborough Road (club page)
Route: Run down to the seafront and along the promenade. Feeling brave? Tackle the Bray Head trail for a proper hill session with a view.
Why we like it: Sea air, flat promenade for easy runs, and a hill for the hard ones.
5. Newbridge: the Liffey Linear Park
Start: FUSE Gym Newbridge, Newbridge Industrial Estate (club page)
Route: Head towards the town centre and run along the riverside paths of the Liffey Linear Park.
Why we like it: Quiet, green and close to the gym.
6. Cork: the Marina
Start: FUSE Gym Cork, Cornmarket Shopping Centre (club page)
Route: Head east along the quays to the Marina, a flat riverside path popular with Cork runners, and out towards Blackrock.
Why we like it: Flat, by the water, and a Cork running classic.
7. Waterford: the Waterford Greenway
Start: FUSE Gym Waterford, Tramore Road Business Park (club page)
Route: Make your way to the start of the Waterford Greenway in the city and run out along the old railway line.
Why we like it: Traffic-free and as long as you want it to be.
Before you head out: a quick checklist
Shoes: running shoes with some grip, especially for park paths and Bray Head.
Layers: Irish weather can do four seasons in one run. A light jacket you can tie round your waist is your friend.
Light and bright: from October to March it's dark early. Wear a hi-vis vest or reflective strips and a head torch on unlit paths.
Phone and ID: in case you need help.
Water: for longer runs, or have a big drink before you go.
Locker: you can leave your bag in a locker at the gym while you run. Ask at reception if you're not sure.
New to running? Start with run-walk
If you've never run before, don't try to run the whole route on day one. Try this for the first few weeks:
Walk briskly for 5 minutes to warm up.
Then alternate 1 minute of easy running with 2 minutes of walking, 6 to 8 times.
Walk for 5 minutes to cool down.
Each week, run a little longer and walk a little less. Easy pace means you could still hold a conversation. If you can't, slow down. Nobody's timing you.
Running plus the gym: a perfect match
Running builds your engine. The gym builds the strength that keeps you running without niggles. A simple week for a beginner:
2 runs (easy pace, you can still chat)
2 gym sessions focused on legs, core and full-body strength
1 class you enjoy, like Spin or Circuit (included with Flex+ and Annual+, see classes)
Want a structured plan? Join FUSE Fitness Foundations, our free online community, with a personalised plan, for programmes and check-ins with our coaches: join here.
Got a favourite route near your club that we've missed? Tell the team at reception and we might add it to the next version of this guide.
Not a member yet? See memberships, the 1 Day Pass and the 3 Day Pass. See you out there.