Denver Mottau

SYDNEY CELEBRATES CITY2SURF 2019

Sydney’s annual 14 km road race attracted over 80,000 people this year as they braved the cool conditions to participate in the largest fun run of its kind in the world. 

The gruelling course from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach posed a challenge for the serious competitors and a fun day out for others who enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere of the race along the route. 

There was a strong sense of community in this event as thousands of spectators cheered-on and encouraged the runners, walkers and joggers as they made their way through the eastern suburbs of Sydney.  DJ’s and jazz bands, families and kids lined the route with entertainment, water and refreshments to make this a very special outdoor activity for Sydneysiders.

Harry Summers won this race for the third time, finishing at his personal best in 40.05 while Tara Palm was the first woman over the line at 47.11. Jake Lappin won first place in the elite Wheelchair category.

The course record of 40.02 is held by Steve Moneghetti set in 1991. Susie Powers still hangs on to the women’s title at 45.08 in 2001.

CITY2SURF is an iconic race that has grown in popularity with runners supporting over 1000 charities to help those in need. The organisers do a terrific job in controlling this large-scale activity – starting runners at staggered times based on their previous running time or early entry. 

The fun element of the race is where people from all walks of life, mass together and enjoy a big day out celebrating an event that encourages a healthy lifestyle in mid-Winter. Starting off with heavy clothes in freezing conditions, runners usually end up peeling them off as they struggle up Heartbreak Hill, the half-way mark of the race. At the finish line in Bondi Beach you show a sigh of relief having completed 14 km – hot, exhausted and ready to enjoy a well-earned lunch.

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Published by Denver Mottau

Denver’s passion for music, cinema and the arts began at an early age when accompanying his grandmother in her rounds of the entertainment circuits - gaining exposure to Hollywood’s Broadway musicals. This education continued throughout his childhood as the heart-felt melodies of yester-year, and the fantasy of the Golden Years of Hollywood embraced our lives. Choosing a pathway that incorporated all aspects of Sydney lifestyle, Denver was able to make inroads with a variety of independent newspapers and publications to write about subjects of community interest. Over time, he had published a good many front-page stories, helping to overturn political decisions and make an impact on the local scene. What he has enjoyed most is researching areas of health and fitness, music, food and fashion to try and understand what excites the average Sydneysider in their lifestyle and interests. It becomes an on-going avenue of discovery, one that provides great ammunition for stories. Meanwhile, life goes on and the stage is set for reviewing the creativity in visual and performing arts. The challenge is ever present and the results most fulfilling!