City2Surf
Some might say that I planned my holiday around the race, but I’m
keeping my mouth shut. It's just one of those advantages of having a sister
living in
I best explain for those who may not know.......
City2Surf is a 14km fun run; it’s in
its 41st year. It starts in the
business district of Sydney ending
on
Race Day - Sunday
14th August
For me the weather was great 17-18C with some light rain showers.
As I was entered with sister and family and they were with
prams we were in the 'back of the pack' our start time
was 9.30am. Now due to the sheer amount of runners groups are set off at half
hour intervals, the first being the seeded at 8.00am. So before we even started
the race had been won. "Not that I stood a chance"
plus potentially around 60,000 runners were already out on the course. As it
got closer to our start time more and more runners turned up at the start
area and the pavements and road soon disappeared. I said to my sister and
brother-in-law that I would hopefully find them at Bondi, they laughed!
As our start area was a way back from
the actual start line when we began to move I managed to weave my way past alot of runners before actually starting the race and
crossing the line. The course is undulating up and down hills and down
through tunnels it follows the main road all the way round into Bondi. Lots of people were in
fancy dress which a $5,000 spot prize may have had something to do with it. To
name a couple I saw about 20 people dressed up as Storm troopers all running together, the Pac man characters and an Elmo
that got a huge cheer from the kids when we emerged from a tunnel at Kings Cross. There was an amazing
amount of entertainment along the route and a lot of support from locals which
certainly helped to keep you going. Around 5k into the run at Rosebay a lovely flat residential area,
Can you believe it I was told I was pacing another runner!!! ME!!! We had a chat for a bit, it was
her second run at this distance. Not too sure if she followed me all the way
but it certainly helped boost my confidence. Around 6/7K you get to 'Heartbreak Hill' yes it’s a mile long,
but I have to say it has nothing on the hills round Coniston. I was actually
nearly half way up it when I realised that this was the big hill. Bit further along the road I kept overhearing people talk about the
downhill to Bondi, I didn't want to
ask. But wow what a great downhill, from about 10k till 12.5k with Bondi in sight. The tough bit for
me was the last part, you ran what felt like the whole
length of Bondi before you turned
back onto the home straight with the finish line in view. That finish
line, like my first ever race and Coniston
is going to be one I will never forget.
The whole course was packed with runners
and walkers with prams and umbrellas, it was tough near impossible to run it
all as I kept coming up to what can only be described as walls of walkers that
you had to weave your way through.
My official time is 1hr 45min 37sec, my Garmin was just short of 9miles, I ran
nearly and extra 1/4mile to get through the crowds. I am very happy with my
results I was 53,052 to cross the line of the 68,930 people who finished. My
sister and youngest nephew Dion (who
split the whole course, and still got a medal!) finished it in 2hrs 11mins and
55sec. My brother-in-law and oldest nephew, Bailey finished it in 1hr 45mins 32sec. Richie beat me by 5seconds!!! Which just means
I’m going to have to go back and run it again another year. What a shame!
Thankfully we all did manage to meet up at Bondi, couple of texts got through and
we spotted each other in the crowds.
The whole event is very well organised and
the city lays on free public transport for the competitors. Though I think it
actually took longer to get back to the start and the car than it did for me to
run the race.
I would highly recommend competing in City2Surf if you are ever out that way
one August. It is great fun in an amazing location and I will certainly be
running it again.
Written by: Claire
Hardman
Submitted: 1st
September 2011
Edited by: Brenda J
Earnshaw WRR Editor