The Sun-Herald City2Surf is encouraging Sydneysiders to run their own streets this October with the launch of the 2021 City2Surf Virtual Run, a chance for people to come together wherever they are and celebrate being active.

The City2Surf Virtual Run provides an opportunity for the people of Sydney to come together virtually, train for a common goal and raise much needed funds for charities.

Entries for the City2Surf Virtual Run are set to open at 11am today (AEST), with participants downloading a dedicated app and then completing their 14km course between 6am on Sunday 17 October and 6pm on Sunday 24 October 2021.

Chris Jarvis, Regional Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, organisers of City2Surf, said the Virtual Run will provide a great opportunity for people to reconnect with their friends and family while remaining physically apart.

“The Sun-Herald City2Surf is an iconic event for the people of Sydney and has become a bucket list run for people around the world,” said Jarvis. “In holding the City2Surf Virtual Fun Run this year we wanted to create an opportunity for people to get out and walk, run or even dance their way along their own 14km course this October.

“This iconic event is important to so many people, it provides motivation to train for a goal, this year an opportunity to come together with friends and family virtually, and also raise an incredible amount of money for charity,” he said. “Last year’s inaugural City2Surf Virtual Fun Run raised more than $600,000 for charity and we look forward to increasing that amount this year.

“For 2021 we’ve opened up the time period where participants can log their run, with the event kicking off at 6am on Sunday 17 October and continuing until 6pm on Sunday 24 October, providing more opportunities for people to take part wherever they are in Sydney, across Australia or around the world,” said Jarvis. “We were thrilled with the support we had in 2020 with more than 13,000 participants from Sydney, across Australia and 23 other countries taking part and encourage all of those runners to get involved once again.”

To take part in the City2Surf Virtual Run participants register online, download a dedicated City2Surf Virtual Run app, and then between 6am on Sunday 17 October and 6pm on Sunday 24 October carry their phone as they cover 14km wherever they are. Participants can also upload their event time to the City2Surf Virtual Fun Run App using STRAVA.

Entry for the City2Surf Virtual Run is $39 for adults, with a donation of $5 from each General Entry going to select City2Surf charity partners, and $20 for children, with everyone receiving a finisher medal and branded Virtual Run performance wristband

Every runner who enters the City2Surf Virtual Run will also go in the running to win the ultimate Noosa Runcation, valued at more than $8,000. The winner and three friends will receive an incredible weekend away in Noosa, including flights and transfers, two nights accommodation at the stunning Seahaven Noosa, an entry into next year’s Runaway Noosa marathon (28 May 2022), providing their next running goal, plus more.

Participants are encouraged to run in their local neighbourhood, follow safe social distancing and observe and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations in relation to COVID-19 and public health.