80,000 people, from across Australia and beyond, hit the streets of Sydney this morning to take part in the world’s largest fun run, The Sun-Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac. City2Surf ambassadors Tim Robards and Sylvia Jeffreys were amongst the thousands who walked, jogged and ran the iconic 14km course that kicked off in Sydney’s Hyde Park and came to a stunning finish at the world-renowned Bondi Beach.

Australia’s original Bachelor, fitness guru and City2Surf ambassador, Tim Robards, commented that the atmosphere along the course and down at Bondi was incredible.

“It’s been such a fantastic morning and the energy around the course from both the participants and the crowds cheering from the side lines has been electric. City2Surf is always the perfect way to challenge yourself while having a heap of fun at the same time and this year has been no exception. There is such a great sense of achievement down at the finish line too, with everyone coming together in Bondi to celebrate.

“This year I decided to run to for the Lifeline Team to help raise vital funds, so that every call made can be answered immediately. Thanks to the efforts of more than 11,000 volunteers, over one million calls are answered every year but more funding is needed,” commented Tim.

Sylvia Jeffreys, Today Show presenter and City2Surf ambassador said; “City2Surf is always one of my favourite events of the year and this morning has been the best yet. It’s so inspiring to run alongside so many people of all ages and abilities through the streets of our stunning city. This year I ran to help raise much needed funds and awareness for Youngcare and it was so much fun to run with my Youngcare team, including the fantastic David Campbell and Simon Pryce, AKA the Red Wiggle, as well as my incredible channel 9 team.”

Year 12 student Samuel Rizzo, from Buninyong in Victoria, was the first male Elite Wheelchair Athlete across the line with a time of 00:38:50, beating Australian Paralympic Gold Medallist Richard Colman, from Highton in Victoria, who finished with a time of 00:44:51.

2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Madison de Rozario, from Sydney Olympic Park, was the first female Elite Wheelchair Athlete across the line, with a time of 00:43:22, with Christie Dawes from Merewether, NSW taking the second spot with a time of 00:45:22.

The men’s race ended in an exciting sprint finish, with Ben St. Lawrence from New South Wales crossing the finish line first with a time of 00:41:42. A close second place went to Liam Adams from Moonee Ponds, Victoria who finished with a time of 00:41:45 and James Nipperess from Bruce in ACT took the third spot with a finishing time of 00:42:20.

Ellie Pashley from Torquay, Victoria was the first female to cross the finish line today with a time of 00:46:21. Second place went to Melissa Duncan from Upwey in Victoria who finished with a time of 00:47:21 and Glenbrook, NSW local Marnie Ponton took the third spot with a finishing time of 00:48:00.

Fairfax Event’s Head of Sport, Sarah Young, said; “It’s been so inspiring to see the thousands of people take on City2Surf this morning, from elite athletes, to families, fundraisers, and volunteers. The atmosphere along the course and down at the beachside event village is fantastic, with everyone enjoying live entertainment, amazing beachside views and much more in the ultimate celebration of our incredible city”.

Returning for the ninth year in a row as City2Surf’s presenting partner, Westpac is proud to have a long-standing association with one of Australia’s biggest events.

Bernadette Inglis, Westpac Group General Manager of Retail & Premium Bank said, "As presenting partner, it’s been fantastic to help bring this iconic event to Sydney again and to see the community come together today to support causes close to their hearts.

“We’re proud to be able to continue our support in raising funds and awareness of the vital community service provided by the official charity partner, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, which has been helping Australians when they need it most since 1973, with no one ever having to pay to be rescued.”

City2Surf 2018 has already raised over $4.1 million for more than 900 charities, with the total expected to increase over the coming weeks, adding to the $36 million total that has been raised for hundreds of charities since 2008 when the fundraising tally was first recorded.

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