The City2Surf is one of Sydney’s biggest events, with more than 80,000 people making their way from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach. Whether you’re a serious athlete competing in the event or simply walking the 14-kilometre route with a group of friends, the City2Surf is a highlight for Sydney residents.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the City2Surf and for the first time in five decades, the event will be virtual. Holding an event like this one isn’t currently viable due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so organisers have asked participants to pound the pavement where they live.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, in order to participate, you’ll need to download an official tracking app and take to your local streets between 6am and 6pm on Sunday, October 18 to run your own City2Surf.
“We may not get the opportunity to meet on the beach at Bondi, but there’s nothing stopping us taking our local streets in Manly, Parramatta, Chatswood, Cronulla or anywhere really,” the City2Surf website reads.
There’s no prize money or winners in this year’s virtual race but participants will have their medals mailed out to them. Race organisers say it’s also unlikely that there will be a closed event held just for elite runners, as has been the case in other marathon events around the world.
“It’s all about celebration and getting out there with your mates,” Ironman managing director Dave Beeche told SMH.
“We really want to try and celebrate all that is Sydney. People have been doing it tough for the last few months and so if we can provide a platform for people to get together with their mates and raise some money for charity.”
Entries for the City2Surf Virtual Run open at 10am on Thursday, August 13 via the City2Surf website.