A run for charity ! The World’s Largest Fun Run – The City2Surf
Back in Sydney on Sunday 10 August 2025. Bringing 80,000+ people together from all walks of life to run, jog, walk or stroll the iconic 14km course from Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach. Save the date for another spectacular year to celebrate Sydney with live entertainment, food, training runs, fundraising, and much more.
The beginning of City2Surf
Over the past 50 years, City2Surf has transformed from a humble, local road race to the world’s largest fun run. Further attracting more than 85,000 participants from across the globe.
History tells us that the inspiration for this great event came via a note from Fairfax’s US correspondent, who sent a newspaper clipping in 1970 about the San Francisco Bay to Breakers event to the editor of The Sun newspaper, Jack Tier. From that internal memorandum The Sun City2Surf was born, albeit humbly, in 1971, with just over 2,025 entrants.
City2Surf has a long, and rich history with an honor roll of a who’s who of Australian champions.
While Australian champions have been victorious at City2Surf, there have been many international athletes who have descended on Sydney to secure the win including – American Ken Moore (1971), American Laurie Binder – pictured (1980), Kiwi Wendy Hancock (1982).
Who Runs City2Surf—and Why?
The City2Surf welcomes a diverse range of participants, from competitive runners to casual walkers, including those using wheelchairs, or pushing strollers. Motivations are equally varied, encompassing fitness goals, fundraising for charities, social fun, and personal challenges. Some participate to conquer Heartbreak Hill, while others simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, and post-race celebrations, according to City2Surf. The average age of participants is 34, with the 20s, and 30s being the most represented age groups. Many starting with shorter distances, and gradually progressing to longer runs like City2Surf. For many, completing the City2Surf, particularly overcoming challenges like “Heartbreak Hill,” is a personal accomplishment, and a “bucket-list” item.
City2Surf: Running for a Cause
Participants can raise money by becoming Charity Superstars, committing to a minimum fundraising amount for their chosen charity, and receiving perks like free entry and a priority start. Donations can be made directly, through fundraising pages, or by participating in peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives. The goal of the year of fund raising is $4,000,000 in which $2,422,543.661 has been raised till date .With the help of 16,706 fundraisers, 738 teams, 598 charities, and 26,957 donations.
The vital funds supported the life-changing work of Sydney’s two children’s hospitals (Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead) specialized care services (Bear Cottage, and the Newborn, and pediatric Emergency Transport Service [NETS), and Kids Research.
Join us in 2025 to help change the future for sick kids.”
– Jonny Miller, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation
City2Surf Map
Voltaren City2Surf has one of the most iconic courses in the world. Experience the thrill of starting the 14km event in Australia’s largest city in the middle of its bustling CBD before making your way to one of the world’s most famous beaches – Bondi Beach.
The race starts at the intersection of Park Street, and College Street, and head up through the Kings Cross Tunnel. The course continues along New South Head Road winding through Rose Bay, then up the infamous Heartbreak Hill, presented by AIA – the halfway point, and one of the most scenic parts of the course.
Runners then turn the corner at Vaucluse onto Old South Head Road, then Military Road, and down the hill as they take in breathtaking ocean views, before completing a turnaround at Curlewis Street, and crossing the finish line on Queen Elizabeth Drive at Bondi.
Event day timeline
Sunday, 10 August 2025
6:00 am AEST Event opens at Hyde Park 7:35 am AEST Race starts on Park Street
9:55 am AEST Start line closes 10:00 am AEST Presentations at Main Stage, Bondi Park
12:50 pm AEST Finish Line Closure at Bondi Beach 2:00 pm AEST Merchandise closes
City2Surf Impact
City2Surf boosts Sydney’s economy, driving revenue for local businesses, and increasing tourism during the annual fun run event.
It builds community spirit by promoting fitness, supporting charities, and uplifting participants’ moods through a shared, joyful experience.
The run draws local, and international crowds, significantly boosting Sydney’s tourism, and generating strong visitor-driven revenue.
The event encourages physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle among participants, and the general public by raising awareness of the benefits of running, and fitness. City2Surf runners raise millions of dollars for various charities each year. Since 2008, over $55 million has been raised for charitable causes, according to City2Surf.
As City2Surf continues to grow, and evolve, one thing remains constant: its unwavering commitment to community, fitness, and charitable giving. With record participation expected, and a renewed focus on inclusivity, City2Surf 2025 promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Sydney’s story. Let’s wait for the day!
For more such informative articles, stay tuned at The World Times.
