The City2Surf celebrated a record turnout for its 54^th year, with almost 80,000 crossing the finish line of the world’s largest fun run.

The streets of Sydney were alive with energy as a sea of runners, walkers, dancers, pram pushers and everything in between made their way along the iconic 14-kilometre course from the CBD to Bondi Beach. 

Participants in this year’s City2Surf have already raised almost $3.4million for charity, and with plenty more donations still to add to the tally the event is set to smash its $3.5 million target.  

Amid the crowd of runners were 21 firefighters kitted out in 20 kilograms of gear and equipment. Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell was among them, taking part in his first City2Surf to raise money for the burns unit at the Children’s Hospital Westmead through the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. 

“It’s my very first time doing the City2Surf, so I didn’t quite know what to expect and then just to make it a little more difficult we decided to wear our firefighting gear, breathing apparatus and helmets, so really a big step into the unknown but it was a lot of fun. Really glad we did it and for us, it was a great chance to raise so much money for the burns unit at the Children's Hospital,” said Fewtrell. 

“It was fantastic, lots of people cheering along the way, both spectators and other runners, even those people doing it tough up a hill were shouting words of encouragement to us so that was really nice, and some lovely interactions with people along the road as well, people there with their kids or in families groups, just cheering us along and giving high fives.” 

Fewtrell says his team of firefighters are set to raise more than $100,000 for the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation. 

Ben Carty, part of team Boom Build, was another participant who made his day that little bit harder, completing the 14km course while pushing a bright blue wheelbarrow. He was joined by a group of tradies, all also pushing wheelbarrows, to raise money and awareness for mental health among construction workers. 

“It was amazing out there, great atmosphere and lots of encouragement, a lot of people dressed up and a lot of people running for different causes, so it was really great,” said Carty. 

“We’re raising money for Beyond Blue, for mental health, we’re passionate about making a difference for mental health, especially in the construction industry. I think we’ve just ticked over $8,500 and we’re trying to get to $10,000.”

City2Surf is an event that welcomes everyone from all walks of life, ages and abilities. This year, almost two thirds of participants took to the course for the very first time. Among them was Sophie Patrick Hall, originally from the UK, who has been living in Sydney for the past two years.

“It was so much fun, I’m very grateful for where we live, this place is insane. It was my first City2Surf and it was unbelievable, I wish I’d done it every year,” said Hall. “I can’t believe people would wear headphones on this course, the sound and atmosphere are unbelievable I was just soaking it all in. There were bands, people on the side of the street cheering, little kids giving away sweets, it was the best.” 

While thousands were taking part in their first City2Surf, a dedicated group of 16 Legends were taking part in their 54^th City2Surf – every year since its inception in 1971 – including Sydney local Laurie Coleman. 

“It was very warm out there today but so nice, I loved it. Everybody that saw my t-shirt said, ‘go legend’, and it really kept me going. I’m so happy to do what I did,” said Coleman. “I keep coming back because it’s the best day of the year, I wouldn’t miss it for anything, and I just hope that I can do a few more.”