When registering for City2Surf, you will need to select your start wave (aka start group). This start wave will be your start time and area and also on your race bib. To help you have the best experience on the day, please select the start wave that’s right for you based on how long you think it will take you to complete the 14km course. Don’t worry! Your time will only begin and end as you cross the start and finish line timing mats. 

For those speedsters looking to start at the front of the pack, there are 4 waves that require pre-qualification using results from previous events or your own records. If you have pre-qualified, you will be able to choose from your qualified start wave when you register. For everyone else, there are four open start waves which you can choose. 

If you want to run with friends or family, you should all select the same start wave. Do not enter an open wave if you wish to run in a pre-qualifying start wave. Wave changes have now closed, you will not be able to change your wave once entered. 

City2Surf start crowd content

Choose Your Start Wave

Open Start waves are available to enter for everyone. All pushed wheelchairs, strollers and participants with service dogs should enter the orange wave. 

The Charity Superstar Wave is a priority start wave exclusive to Charity Superstars only - find out more.


OPEN START WAVES

 startwave 2 pink startwave 2 blue
rebel - sport is calling		 startwave 2 yellow startwave 2 orange
Start Time 7:55am 8:08am 8:55am 9:40am
Is this the right wave for me? For semi-serious runners who intend to run the whole distance and give it a red-hot crack! (and maybe pre-qualify for 2024!) 
The Pink Start Wave is now SOLD OUT. 

You’re a casual runner who will try to run or jog the whole way but you’re also keen to have a good time. 

The rebel Blue Start Wave is now SOLD OUT.

For all abilities including joggers, walkers and groups… you’ll take a little longer because you’ll be taking a selfie or two along the way! 

The Yellow Start Wave is now SOLD OUT.

 Everyone knows the back of the pack is where the party is at! This group is for EVERYONE! Whether you're a jogger, fun group, family, disco partier, walker, pushed wheelchair or a runner with a pram.

 

Pre-qualifying start waves require evidence from the runner of being able to run 14km within a certain time. See below for more information on how to submit your pre-qualification application. 


PRE-QUALIFYING START WAVES

 startwave 2 elite startwave 2 red startwave 2 red startwave 2 green
Start Time 7:40am 7:40am 7:40am 7:45am
Is this the right wave for me?

Elite runners looking to place in the top 30 should enter the elite wave. 

The Elite Start Wave is now at capacity. 

Sub-elite speedy runners hunting down elites.

The Preferred Start Wave is now SOLD OUT. 

 You’re an active runner who intends to race against the clock… Strava flex much? You’ve been training hard and ready to smash Heartbreak Hill and go for that PB
Qualifying Time Required – Based on 14km  M: Sub48mins
F: Sub56mins		 M: 48mins -53mins
F: 56mins - 60mins		 Sub1hr10min 1hr10mins - 1hr20mins
Required Run Pace (10km+) M: 3:25min/km or faster
F: 4:00min/km or faster		 M: 3:25min/km - 3:50min/km
F: 4:00min/km - 4:30min/km		 5:00min/km and faster 5:00min/km – 5:45min/km

Applying for a Pre-Qualifying Start Wave

If you have completed any of the below events in the required race pace or qualifying time, you will automatically qualify into the appropriate pre-qualifying start group. No further action is required. Please ensure your name and DOB match exactly as when registering for those events. If you would like to pre-qualify for a faster start group, you will need a submit an application with the required race time/pace.

  • City2Surf 2021 (VR), City2Surf 2022

  • The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon 2022 

  • Runaway Noosa Marathon 2022 | 2023 – 10km, Half Marathon or Marathon

  • New Zealand Sothebys International Realty Hawkes Bay Marathon 2022 - 10km, Half Marathon or Marathon

  • New Zealand Sothebys International Realty Queenstown Marathon 2022 - 10km, Half Marathon or Marathon

  • Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon 2021 | 2022 - 10km, Half Marathon or Marathon

  • Noosa Triathlon 2022 – 10km Run Leg

  • Mooloolaba Triathlon 2023 – 10km Run Leg

If you did not compete in the above events, you will need to fill out the Pre-Qualification Form and provide proof via weblink or finisher certificate of you running the qualifying time or pace at any official race, anywhere in the world, but the race must have been completed within the last 2 years and be 10km or longer in distance.

If you have not competed in an official race in the past 2 years, you will need to fill out the Pre-Qualification Form and provide proof of you running the qualifying race time or pace using your Garmin, Strava, or MapMyRun results web link to qualify. We will accept times from these resources anywhere in the world, within the past 6 months that are 10km or more in distance. Please ensure your account is set to public for us to be able to see and assess your Pre-Qualification request. If your account is private, your request will be automatically declined.

Apply Here

Applications for Pre-Qualifying Start Waves will close at 5:00pm Friday 4th August, no applications will be accepted after this time. 

CLOSED

Applications prior to 5pm Friday 4th August will be assessed by Monday 7th August.