With record cold temperatures in Sydney, I headed downtown to meet up with 66,000 of my closest friends to run (or, in my case, walk) the 14km City to Surf race. According to the organizers, it is the largest fun run in the world, and I would believe it. The staging area in Hyde Park was wall-to-wall people. There was a strange mixture of serious runners, mid-level runners, and the people like us who were just out for the atmosphere.
Having never run the City to Surf race before, my friends and I were placed in the back of the pack, or, as I have named it, the party pack. Colorful and interesting costumes were all around, giving the feeling that these people were out for the experience more than the serious athletic competition. We saw gorillas, runaway brides, construction works, and windmills. Everyone was in such a good mood. There was an incredible sense of Australian pride as everyone celebrated Sydney for the wonderful city it is.
The 14km route trekked through some of the most beautiful suburbs in town. Winding through the multimillion-dollar houses, I couldn’t help but think how the other half lives.
I don’t want to write this article pretending that 14km, about 9 miles, was a piece of cake for me. Since I walked, it was easier, but I was definitely feeling a little fatigued by the end.
The finish of the race at Bondi Beach looked more like a massive party than the end of a serious sporting event. There were people everywhere and food stands like you wouldn’t believe. I know I enjoyed some much-earned, guilt-free calories.
Crossing the finish line gave me a deep sense of pride because I had both finished the race and taken part in a uniquely Sydney event.