New data reveals that Adelaide is one of the best cities in Australia for clean-air exercise, and local running trails Burnside Quarry, Chambers Gully Circuit, Torrens Linear Park, and Waite Conservation Loop are our state’s top spots to pound the pavement.
The 2025 study, conducted by longevity brand Simply Nootropics, cross-referenced postcode-level air quality data with the nation’s most popular running trails, as recorded by apps like AllTrails and Strava.
The goal is explore how lifestyle choices like running in clean air can support brain health, mental clarity, and long-term wellbeing.
“Many of us don’t think about what we’re breathing in while exercising outdoors,” says Dr Brian Ramos, a Yale-educated neuroscientist and lead researcher at Simply Nootropics.
“This data reminds us that environmental inputs are just as important as physical output. Runners in clean-air cities may be unknowingly gaining cognitive and longevity benefits every time they train.”
Trails were selected based on popularity, proximity to the CBD (within 10km), and a manageable trail length of under 10km. Here’s the rundown.
Chambers Gully Circuit offers a peaceful seven-kilometre loop through Cleland National Park, where wildlife like cockatoos, butterflies and bandicoots often make an appearance.
Torrens Linear Park Trail – perhaps Adelaide’s most popular path – spans a whopping 35 kilometres from West Beach through the city and out to Athelstone, making it a top pick for both daily commuters and weekend warriors.
Then there’s the Waite Conservation Loop, a 4.2-kilometre stretch of the Yurrebilla Trail that winds through the foothills, serving up sweeping views of the Adelaide plains along the way.
Air Quality Index (AQI) for our top trails:
| Air Quality Index | Particulate Matter > 2.5 | Carbon Monoxide Average | Average Concentration of Ozone (O3) | |
| Burnside Quarry and Chambers Gully Circuit | 1.17 | 2.1 | 185 | 41.79 |
| Torrens Linear Path | 1.17 | 2.11 | 185.57 | 41.68 |
| Wait Conservation Reserve Loop | 1.17 | 2.11 | 185.57 | 41.68 |
The study also shows the significance of the time of day in the air quality experienced during a run – and the results interestingly differ state by state.
Adelaide was the only city in the nation where air quality peaks at night, with an impressively low AQI of 1.083 recorded at 10pm, well below the city average of 1.167.
That’s an 8% reduction in air pollution exposure, just by switching up your schedule.
Adelaide’s top times to run based on AQI:
| Time | Air Quality Index | Particulate Matter > 2.5 | Carbon Monoxide Average | Average Concentration of Ozone (O3) |
| 22:00 | 1.083 | 2.32 | 187.76 | 39.52 |
| 6:00 | 1.168 | 2.08 | 188.42 | 40.58 |
| 17:00 | 1.25 | 1.93 | 180.37 | 44.96 |
Australia’s top times to run based on AQI:
Top walking trails and AQI across the nation:
Adelaide’s AQI performance overall places it third nationwide behind Melbourne (1.14) and Brisbane (1.11), beating out Sydney (1.169) and Perth (1.472). Brisbane, the top-ranked city, recorded 32 per cent less pollution than Perth.
While the difference between city averages may appear slight – often just decimal points apart – Dr Ramos explains that these margins represent “measurable differences” in how the body and brain respond to physical activity and oxygen.
“Cleaner air reduces the neuroinflammatory burden on the brain and limits oxidative stress, which are both critical to cognitive longevity and mental clarity,” he says.
“That slight difference can mean better brain health, better sleep, and better performance, especially when amplified over time. Running is helpful in of itself, but running in cleaner air is simply smarter.”
So whether you’re chasing a new PB, planning your next run-focused holiday, or just hoping for a breath of fresh air, Adelaide’s top trails offer a clean and serene backdrop, especially at night. Just don’t forget to bring a running buddy… unless you’re bold enough to brave the dark solo.
And if you need a reason to explore our beautiful hills region, Adelaide Hills recently earned a spot in Skyscanner’s global list of top running destinations, proving SA really is running ahead.
WHAT: New study reveals air quality across popular running trails in Australia
For the Simply Nootropics website, click here.
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