Australia’s top female runners are preparing for the highly anticipated return of the City2Surf, with the iconic event returning to the streets of Sydney for the first time since 2019 this Sunday, 14 August.

The 2022 City2Surf will be the 50th physical running of the event, after going virtual for the last two years, and will once again see runners take on the 14km course from the city’s CBD to the famous Bondi Beach.

The women’s field features two podium finishers from the 2019 City2Surf in Charlotte Wilson and Marnie Ponton, second and third respectively, recent Sydney Harbour 10km winner Chloe Tighe, and the 2022 Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon runner-up Leanne Pompeani, who also finished second behind Tighe at the Sydney Harbour 10km last month.

Having competed in the event since she was 13, Tighe is looking forward to the City2Surf returning this weekend after a three-year hiatus.

“It’s fantastic to have the event up and running again. The best thing about running is the sense of community it brings, and the City2Surf does this on the largest scale possible,” said Tighe. “Running to me is about community, health and purpose, and it’s wonderful that I can share that with thousands of people on Sunday.

“This event is so iconic and scenic, it really highlights how special our city is. I remember my parents and older brother running it, but I was too young at the time. I felt so excited when I was finally old enough at 13 to participate. I feel even more privileged to be back running for a medal years later.”

Tighe says she feels in good shape heading into the event, and she will be hoping to produce the form that saw her take out the Sydney 10km title last month.

“Training has been going well and I’m really happy with how I have been progressing since returning back to Australia, my body is allowing me to train consistently. I’m looking forward to the hilly course and being accompanied by some fast runners to make the race even more exciting,” she said.

Though Pompeani has previously completed the City2Surf, this year will be her first time racing the event competitively – a challenge she accepts will be tough against a strong female field.

“Having City2Surf finally back on is super exciting. Nothing can compare to being out there with the event in full force with mass participation. I have never raced the City2Surf competitively, so I am a little nervous because I know the race is going to get tough,” said Pompeani.

Over the years the City2Surf has been won by some of Australia’s best middle-distance runners, and Pompeani will be aiming to add her name to that list come Sunday.

“The City2Surf is an iconic event, everyone knows about it. It has attracted some of Australia’s all time distance running greats, just look at the past winners list,” she said. “I’m so excited that the City2Surf is on my racing calendar. I have been racing a lot this season, taking the opportunity while I’m fit. I’m feeling good heading into City2Surf, with a bit of a taper this week to freshen up the body so we can hit it hard on Sunday.”

Ponton is an athlete that has tasted success previously at the City2Surf and will be hoping to elevate herself further up the podium this time around after finishing third in 2019.

“I am feeling excited about the City2Surf this year and my plan is to just enjoy the whole experience,” she said. “I love the atmosphere along the entire course, it makes the race unique and a must do. It’s amazing to have the event back up and running and I plan to return for many more to come.”

Full list of female seeded athletes here.