This past Sunday, I ran my first City 2 Surf, a 14km run from College Street in Sydney to Bondi beach. City 2 Surf is now in its 43rd year and has raised over $20 million in charity.
The City2Surf has been owned and organised by The Sun-Herald since its inception. The inspiration for the event came in 1970 via a note from Fairfax’s US correspondent, who sent a newspaper clipping about the San Francisco Bay to Breakers to the editor of The Sun newspaper, Jack Tier.
In 1971 there were just over 2,000 entrants (only 2% of the field was female) and since then it has so popular with more than 85,000 participants running the annual race. In 2006, women outnumbered men at 63,451.
The City2Surf website has a lot of information about the run and even running tips for those who would like to take part in the race but have never run before. 14km was the furthest I have ever run and I completed the course in 1 hour 30 mins and 23 seconds. I was in the blue group and you are supposed to run the 14km in 90 minutes, so I just made it.
With so many people, it can be hard to meet up after the race. Therefore, before you all begin the run, decide on a place to meet and stick to it. We all met up by the north bondi surf life saving club (which is being rebuilt and hopefully I can join soon) and then we chilled out on the hill overlooking Bondi beach. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I was really lucky and was also able to go to one of the corporate tents on the beach which had free BBQ and drinks (including my favourite Corona).
I did not want the day to end, it was the best winter’s day I have had in Sydney. Clear, blue skies and up to 22 degrees Celsius. I do not think I can go back to a London winter again. I am looking forward to my next City 2 Surf which will be in Perth with my sister and will be a half marathon !
