City To Surf Beginner’s Guide
The City to Surf Run is an iconic annual event in Sydney, Australia, attracting tens of thousands of participants each year. This 14-kilometre race starts in Sydney's central business district and finishes at Bondi Beach, taking runners through some of the city's most scenic spots. If you're planning to participate in this event or simply want to learn more about it, we’ve got everything you need to know. If there’s specific information you’re looking for, click on the topic here:
Preparing For The Race
To participate in the City to Surf Run, you need to be reasonably fit and have a basic level of running experience. It's a good idea to start training several months in advance, gradually increasing your distance and pace. Joining a running group or hiring a personal trainer can also help you prepare effectively. Make sure to also invest in a good pair of running shoes, comfortable clothes, and a hydration pack or water bottle.
Looking for a simple training plan guaranteed to get you to the finish line? Click here.
Getting to and from the race
With careful planning and consideration of the various transportation options, getting to and from the City2Surf run in Sydney can be a seamless experience. Embrace the excitement and energy of this iconic event while ensuring a stress-free journey to and from the race with these tips. On the day of the City to Surf Run, it's important to arrive at the starting line early, as there are tens of thousands of participants, and you'll need to find your designated start group. Make sure to warm up adequately, stretch your muscles, and hydrate well. It's also a good idea to wear a hat and apply sunscreen, as the race is held in August, and the sun can be intense.
Public Transport:
Public transport is the most convenient and recommended method for getting to and from the City2Surf. On event day, additional trains and buses operate to accommodate the increased demand, making it easier to reach the starting line in the CBD and return from Bondi Beach after the race.
a) Getting to the starting line:
The City2Surf starting line is located near Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD. To get there, you can take a train to St James, Museum, Martin Place or Town Hall stations, all within walking distance to the starting area. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to nearby stops on Elizabeth Street, Park Street, or Castlereagh Street. There are free shuttle buses transporting runners from Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction Station on the day.
b) Leaving Bondi Beach:
After completing the race, you can catch a free shuttle bus from Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction interchange. From Bondi Junction, you can board a train on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line back to the city centre or other destinations.
Ride-sharing and Taxis:
While ride-sharing services like Uber and taxis are available, traffic restrictions and road closures on event day may cause delays and increase travel times. If you choose this option, consider arranging pick-up and drop-off points away from the immediate event area to avoid congestion.
Cycling:
Cycling to and from the City2Surf can be a healthy and eco-friendly choice, especially for those living close to the event area. There are dedicated bike parking areas at the start and finish points. Remember to bring a lock to secure your bike during the race.
Walking:
For those living close to the starting line or finish area, walking is an excellent way to avoid the hassle of transport logistics altogether. Ensure you give yourself enough time to arrive at the starting line before the race begins. Be mindful that depending on your fitness levels walking home after the race may be a challenge with sore legs.
Overall Transport Tips To Keep In Mind
Plan your journey ahead of time: Check the public transport schedules and map out your route in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Purchase an Opal card or use a contactless payment method: To access public transport services, you will need an Opal card or a contactless payment method like a credit/debit card or a mobile wallet.
Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the starting line, considering potential crowds and delays.
Stay informed: Monitor the City2Surf website and social media channels for updates on transport, road closures, and event schedules.
What To Expect During The Race
The City to Surf Run route starts at Hyde Park in Sydney's central business district and follows a scenic course through some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Most first-timers don’t expect the route to be as hilly as it is with plenty of uphill sections before you even reach the infamous Heartbreak Hill. There are a few main surprises for beginners running this route;
Look out for this futuristic, eye catching house that signals the end of the toughest climbs in the race. There’s still plenty of running to do from here but the only remaining uphill sections are gentle inclines.
Heartbreak Hill is a twisty, long uphill section that gets steeper in parts towards the top. It would be ideal to do a training run on this hill or to simply drive it in advance if you are unfamiliar with it otherwise it can be demoralising thinking you’re done only to find the hill keeps on going when you think it’s just about over. If you are inexperienced in running hills the best advice is to shorten your stride and reduce your pace to a point where you are able to maintain a steady pace throughout the climb. You may find people starting to pass you when you initially do this but these are the same people who will be walking when you pass them halfway up it. This climb is a challenge and won’t be easy but using this tactic will serve you well.
After Heartbreak Hill there are still a number of short sharp uphill climbs. Contrary to what many first timers expect, the hard work isn’t over once you’ve conquered the hill. Keep some energy supplies for these.
Until you’ve reached the eye-catching futuristic house in the image above plan to take on some uphill battles. Once here, there’s one final gentle incline before you descend sharply into Bondi.
Don’t sprint down the final hill with absolutely everything you’ve got when you see the finish line. There’s still another 1km to run in the form of a switchback once you’ve made it to the bottom of the hill. Many runners spend their final energy tickets not realising this and it’s a horrible final kilometre of running that didn’t need to be so tough.
General Tips For Success
Here are some tips to help you succeed in the City to Surf Run:
Train regularly: Consistent training is the key to success in any running event, so make sure to stick to your training schedule.
Stay hydrated and follow etiquette at water stations: Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the race to avoid dehydration. Don’t stop at water stations, rather carry on through at a consistent pace to avoid tripping runners up around you.
Don’t experiment: Never try energy gels or wear anything you’ve not trained with. Energy gels can cause stomach issues and taking these for the first time could ruin your race. Learn what works for you body during training and bring this into the race with you. The same goes for running gear. Chafing, blisters and discomfort can all occur with new running gear. Train with your planned race day gear and then bring that into the race with you.
Listen to your body: If you feel pain or discomfort, slow down or stop and seek medical attention if necessary.
Don’t start too fast: Aim to run a negative split, meaning you run the second half of the race faster than the first. This ensures you have plenty of energy in the tank at the half way mark to push yourself as needed. Our advice is to readjust your pace once you’ve conquered Heartbreak Hill depending on your energy levels.
Enjoy the experience: The City to Surf Run is not just a race but a celebration of Sydney's unique culture and community spirit, so take the time to enjoy the atmosphere and interact with fellow runners.
The City to Surf Run is a challenging but rewarding event that offers a unique opportunity to explore Sydney's beautiful landmarks and connect with the local community. By preparing well, pacing yourself, and following a healthy lifestyle, you can make the most of this iconic event and achieve your running goals. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-timer, the City to Surf Run is a must-do experience that will leave you with lifelong memories.
The Afterparty
Arguably the best part of the City2Surf. Once you’ve finished the race it will be time to celebrate. It’s so good we’ve even created the ultimate afterparty guide for you here.
