Since 1971 Sydneysiders have been joined by participants from all over the world, elite athletes rubbing shoulders with locals to run, walk or watch the 14km race from Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD to the finish at spectacular Bondi Beach.
Sydney put on a chilly but mostly dry morning today for its favourite sporting event with tens of thousands of participants running, jogging and walking this year's The Sun-Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac.
For the second year in a row, Liam Adams from Moonee Ponds, Victoria was first across the line with a time of 41 minutes and 31 seconds. Second was Harry Summers, from Maroubra, who finished with a time of 42 minutes and 22 seconds and third was Mitchell Brown who clocked in at 42 minutes and 28 seconds.
First female across the line was Lara Tamsett from Sydney with a time of 46 minutes and 55 seconds. Tamsett also won the event in 2010. Second female across the line was Queenslander Clare Geraghty in 48 minutes and 55 seconds. Third female was Abigail Bayley with a time of 49 minutes and 26 seconds.*
Amongst the Gold Charity organisations raising funds during the event were World Vision, Scripture Union, Oasis Youth Support Network of The Salvation Army and Mission Australia.
The Team World Vision was encouraged to "Run a race. Help change lives."
"Every dollar you raise enables World Vision to deliver up to $10 in food aid and relief essentials. That's up to ten times the value of your donation."
The expected 120 runners were promised a "Personal fundraising webpage; Training & fundraising resources; Opportunity to purchase Team World Vision running gear; Dedicated cheering squads and the opportunity to participate in a finish line party; Information about World Vision's programs and activities and Encouragement and help from staff and team members!"
SCRIPTURE UNION fielded a team of ten runners and even arranged a location for any supporters to gather and encourage the participants.
The Gold Charity Cheer Zone was located at approximately 6km along the City2Surf course, on New South Head Road, Rose Bay, outside the Lyne Park Tennis Courts.
Those planning to come were told to "Wear red and white - scarves, hats, wigs…anything goes! Cheering can be hard work, bring a whistle to make some noise. Other suggestions include hand clappers, banger sticks and vuvuzelas. Our new mascot, Reddy, may also make an appearance!"
Amongst the runners was Harry Cotter (bib 8339) who first became involved with Scripture Union as a teenager in England in the 1950s. He also worked as an SU staffworker in Kenya and Singapore, and has been involved in beach missions with SU NSW. He is passionate about the work SU does, especially amongst high schoolers.
The Oasis Youth Support Network said they were "Super excited to announce that the Oasis Youth Support Network is once again entering an OasisYSN Running team! We're encouraging all of our supporters and friends to pound the pavement alongside us to help raise money for our invaluable programs and services."
They had 60 supporters register for the run and the fundraising.
Mission Australia had 26 runners, including a team from A Woman's Place, one of their inner city Sydney services, who received new shoes for the big run. The whole team was made up of people using the Mission's Inner City Homelessness Services.
Roosters NRL (Rugby League) staff presented a fresh pair of New Balance shoes to the runners after they used the facilities for six training sessions before the event.
Wesley Mission fielded a team of 18 participants; Compassion Australia 21; Anglicare 1.
One individual of note was the Rev Dr David Tyndall, SCA National Chaplain, who ran the 14km in 84 minutes. He commented: "This was the same time as last year. Finished 25900 out of 69137 and 317 out of 1381 in the 60 to 69 age range."
Well done David and all 69, 137 participants who crossed the finish line.