With the return of the City2Surf quickly approaching event organisers are pleased to announce that runners have now raised more than $50m for charities since the fundraising tally was introduced in 2008.

For the 2022 event alone runners have already raised more than $1.5m and with over a week remaining until the Sunday 14 August event that figure will continue to rise.

The City2Surf is set to welcome runners back to the streets of Sydney first time since 2019, with this year’s event to also be the 50th physical running of the event on the world famous 14km course from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach.

Martin Mashford, Regional Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organisers of the City2Surf, said that fundraising was an important part of the event.

“I’d like to thank all of our runners for their ongoing support of the City2Surf’s charity partners as we celebrate raising more than $50m since 2008,” said Mashford. “Raising much needed funds for charity has always been at the core of the City2Surf and it’s great to see that tradition continue as we celebrate the 50th running of the event on our return to the streets of Sydney.

“Every dollar raised makes a difference to those in need and we’re thrilled to have 300 different charities involved in this year’s event,” he said. “Already this year we’ve had over 15,000 runners receive a donation and with over a week remaining till race day we look forward to seeing that continue to rise.”

One of those charities involved in the City2Surf is the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation with Kate Ferguson, General Manager of Engagement, saying that funds raised through the event allowed them to continue to do their important work.

“City2Surf is a wonderful opportunity for Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation to raise vital funds for sick and injured kids across NSW and beyond,” said Ferguson. “This year, we’re aiming to raise over $400,000 and have over 1800 fundraisers apart of Team SCHF. The community’s support has been nothing short of incredible and thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Team SCHF, we’re on track to reach our goal.

Black Dog Institute is another organisation that works closely with the City2Surf team, with funds raised through the event allowing them to continue their lifesaving work, said Community Fundraising Officer Becky Paltoft.

“Funds raised will help Black Dog Institute put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most. Black Dog Institute is also the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan,” said Paltoft. “Less than half of all people in Australia experiencing symptoms of mental illness will not seek professional help – often with tragic consequences. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death in people aged 15-44 years. Therefore, fundraising for Black Dog Institute is important as together we can create a mentally healthier world, for everyone. As a community, we need to come together to show those living with mental illness that they’re not alone and help fund crucial mental health research.

“City2Surf is Black Dog Institute’s biggest in-person fundraising event, and we rely heavily on events like City2Surf for community engagement as well as income. There is also no better feeling than getting to see our fundraisers in action and we always meet up with our Team Black Dog runners before they run to celebrate and show them how much they mean to us,” she said. “This is something we couldn’t do for the last two years so we are super excited to have a presence again and cheer on our fundraisers.”

City2Surf runners certainly know how to have fun while raising money and making their way along the 14km course, with Sydney Chidren’s Hospitals Foundation supporters getting into the spirit.

“Our incredible Team SCHF supporters never cease to amaze me and this year, I know they have big things planned for City2Surf,” said Ferguson. “From cow and lion costumes to colourful tutus, they really are going all in for kids’ health at this year’s event. Some of incredible patients and their families will also be tackling the course, an important reminder of the difference SCHF makes to sick kids, whenever and wherever they need it.”

Those running to support Black Dog Institute will also be putting their best feet forward when it comes to the fancy dress stakes on Sunday 14 August.

“Expect to see lots of orange,” said Paltoft. “Team Black Dog is made up of 1,000 participants and these fundraisers understand the importance of getting through tough times together and being a support to someone in need. So we expect nothing less from our runners during the City2Surf as they support all the runners around them to make it to the finish line together. Look out for the Black Dog Cheer Squad on the sideline. We will be giving everyone that much needed boost to get up Heartbreak Hill.”