Olympians, Australian representatives, and former winners will go head-to-head in Sydney this weekend in pursuit of Voltaren City2Surf titles. Returning on Sunday 9 August, a fast field of elite runners will tackle the iconic 14km course from the city’s CBD to Bondi Beach.

This year’s event will be broadcast live and free on 9Now and the City2Surf YouTube, bringing all the action from the world’s largest fun run to thousands of homes across Australia and around the world. The live broadcast will showcase both the men’s and women’s elite races before turning its attention to the excitement and stories of the 90,000 strong field that makes up the 2026 City2Surf.

Headlining the 2026 men’s elite race is Bendigo’s Andy Buchanan, Australia’s second fastest marathoner in history. Buchanan returns to City2Surf more than 10 years on from his first appearance.

“I ran City2Surf years and years ago when I’d just started taking my running a little more seriously. It’s the most iconic fun run in Australia so I’m excited to tackle the course again this year as I prepare for Sydney Marathon,” said Buchanan.

“I remember so much on course entertainment and a few nice hills along the way. It was a lot of fun running downhill through to the finish line in Bondi. I’m looking forward to seeing how the race has changed in the last 10 years with such a big running boom.”

Buchanan, an Olympic and Commonwealth Games representative, is hoping to tick off some performance goals ahead of the Sydney Marathon – but added that he’d be remiss not to chase victory on Sunday.

“My main goal is to use this race as a workout ahead of the Sydney Marathon and get used to racing on a hilly course. I’ll be doing everything I can to get the win also,” he said.

One man always racing for the win at City2Surf is Sydney’s Ed Goddard. The 28-year-old claimed the 2023 City2Surf title and has twice finished runner-up.

“The win is the main goal for sure. I think it’s going to be a great field this year but I’m sure we will all go out hard and see who can hang with the pace the longest,” said Goddard.

“This season has been going well. It was nice to start the year off wining the Runaway Sydney Half Marathon, but it’s also been nice to see some clear progression and fitness heading in the right direction for this race. I’ve spent a lot of time on hills and getting used to the longer efforts required to nail this race.”

As a Sydney local who grew up watching City2Surf on television, Goddard is excited to see the live broadcast of the race return for the first time since 2019.

“I think it’s amazing to see it back on TV. It introduces City2Surf to so many fans and viewers who otherwise wouldn’t be able to watch. I think the organisers and Nine should be proud of doing a great thing for athletics and the sport for such an iconic race,” he said.

Another athlete to keep an eye on in the men’s race is Thomas Do Canto, who has finished on the podium in the last two City2Surf races, while Luke Hince has proved he can run fast across 5km and 10km already this year.

In the women’s elite field, Holly Campbell brings strong 10km pedigree to the race having placed third at the 2025 Australia 10km Road Running Championships and recently represented Australia at the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships.

Campbell will make her City2Surf debut as an elite runner, though she did take part as a teenager in 2010 alongside her dad and twin sister.

“This is actually my debut completing the race in the elite field and I am so excited for the opportunity,” said Campbell. “Being a Sydneysider, it is a race that I've been wanting to do for a long time, but the timing has never really worked with my race season. I am really excited to have the opportunity to take part this year as the feedback from other athletes is always about how amazing the experience is. I've run parts of the course a few times recently to prepare and I am really looking forward to the challenges that the course brings.”

Though experienced over 10km, City2Surf’s 14km course will be the longest distance Campbell has ever completed in a race.

“My training has been going well and I am feeling fit, so success for me on Sunday would be to run a strong and measured race that allows me to finish as high up in the field as possible,” she said. “I also hope to soak up all the energy around the race and enjoy the experience as much as possible. I have lots of friends competing and I'm looking forward to celebrating with them at the finish line.”

Another runner returning to the City2Surf start line after a hiatus is Sydney’s Aynslee Van Graan. The two-time City2Surf podium finisher will line up on Sunday as she continues her return to competitive running following the birth of her daughter.

“I'm very excited to be back after missing the previous two years,” said Van Graan. “This year I am returning to competitive running after having a baby last year, so to be on the start line ready to push myself again is a win already. I’m finding my form again, but I’m enjoying the comeback. Getting to hold my daughter at the end of a race and showing up for her is my favourite goal.”

Podium potential in the women’s field runs deep, with Eloise Wellings, who finished third at the 2023 City2Surf, returning to the start line, while 2026 Runaway Sydney Half Marathon winner Abigail Nordberg and 2008 City2Surf champion Rebecca Lowe are also capable of a top three finish.

Full Elite Lists can be found below:

• Elite Males
• Elite Females