The City2Surf is a popular annual race held in Sydney, Australia. The 14-km (8.7-mi) course goes through downtown and the suburbs of East Sydney, Double Bay, Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Dover Heights, and Bondi Beach. The race is always held on the second Sunday of August. It was moved just once, in 2000, because of the Sydney Olympics. A fun run is attracting both professional athletes and running enthusiasts. Some people choose to walk this race. Being one of the largest races in Australia, it attracts over 80,000 participants.
The Sydney City2Surf was held for the first time on September 5th, 1971, as a 9.4-mi (15.1 km) run inspired by the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco. It was organised by the Amateur Athletic Association of NSW and the NSW Women's Amateur Athletic Association. The course record of 40:03, was set by Steve Moneghetti in 1991. Elite wheelchair athletes are usually the first to start. Then seeded and preferred runner groups start, being followed by runners with previous race times under 70 minutes. The final group at the start includes those who walk, use a wheelchair or push child strollers.
The City2Surf starting at Hyde Park, at the intersection of Park St and College St. The course then goes downhill on William St and heads up through the tunnel at Kings Cross. It continues through Rose Bay, then goes up the "Heartbreak Hill"—the halfway point of the course that is considered to be the hardest one. The route then turns down the hill and features ocean views, before finishing at a scenic Bondi Beach. The course features amateur bands cheering runners up along the suburban roads. The race also attracts many spectators as some City2Surf runners wear funny costumes.
