This year’s Voltaren City2Surf elite races are set to be electric with returning champions, a national record holder, and Australian representative runners to toe the start line on Sunday 10 August.

In the men’s field, defending champion Isaac Heyne,2023 winner Ed Goddard, and three-time champion Harry Summers (2019, 2017, 2016) will face fierce competition from Australian 10km record holder Samuel Clifford, making his City2Surf debut.

Heyne impressed on his way to victory last year, taking the tape over a minute clear of Goddard on his first attempt at the City2Surf. As returning champion, the 25-year-old from Adelaide acknowledges that the pressure is on him to back up the performance of last year – but understands that the pressure is also a privilege.

“Of course there is pressure. I was an unknown last year, as the course was to me. Now I have set my benchmark, showing me what a good performance looks like. I have expectations of myself in how I perform, but even greater expectations of how I conduct myself post-race no matter the result,” said Heyne. “A quote I hold close to me is ‘don’t be afraid of high expectations but equally realise you won’t always meet them.’”

While Heyne will be mostly focusing on his own performance and the potential for back-to-back City2Surf titles, the presence of Clifford will undoubtedly be on the reigning champion’s mind when he lines up on Sunday.

“Winning races is good fun and doesn’t happen very often. To cross the line in first would be wonderful but far from a certainty. I am training so well but putting together a good race on race day is a skill I am still trying to learn,” said Heyne.

“Sam is a brilliant runner, and now a Sydney local. His knowledge of the course and area will certainly hold him in good stead. While I have no idea how he’ll go about things, I know his fitness will make for a hard and exciting race this year,” said Heyne.

Another former City2Surf champion racing this Sunday is Sydney favourite Goddard, who secured his maiden title in 2023. The 27-year-old will line up this weekend for the ninth time with the hope of etching his name into the history books once again.

“I think for me, this event is the most iconic event in the calendar, racing such an amazing course with so much history and sharing that experience with 90,000 people creates an incredible atmosphere and makes you want to come back year on year,” said Goddard.

“The field this year is looking very strong. Knowing the others I'm sure the pace will be on early, with Heartbreak Hill always somewhere challenges will be made. I think this year will have lots of surges and I know the race won’t just be decided in one final sprint.

“To win City2Surf you have to be strong in so many areas, I think running a smart race and then following the early challenges is the best way, as well as being prepared to go hard on the hill, and equally hard down it,” he said.

While Goddard and Heyne bring course familiarity and experience to the start line, national record holder Clifford will be making his City2Surf debut. Originally from Tasmania but now living in Sydney, Clifford has at least had the chance to train on the streets he will race on this weekend and will be hoping, like Heyne, to secure victory in his maiden attempt at this iconic event.

One athlete not to be discounted is Thomas Do Canto, who is no stranger to the 14-kilometre City2Surf course having finished as runner-up in both 2016 and 2017 and third place in 2024. Also keep an eye out for two-time Paralympian Michael Roeger, who recently placed third at The Sydney 10.

In the absence of last year’s winner and two-time City2Surf champion Leanne Pompeani, this year’s women’s race is wide open. Two-time Olympian Jenny Blundell and Australian representative runner Caitlin Adams will likely be the two going head-to-head for the title.

Blundell has already picked up a string of podium finishes this year, including second at the Sydney 10 and third at the Sydney Harbour 10km, so will be hoping she can go one better this Sunday as she takes on the City2Surf for the first time.

“I have always wanted to do the iconic City2Surf as I am a Sydney girl. The time is finally right to give it a go, as previously I have always been a track runner,” said Blundell. “I’m looking forward to giving it my all up and down the hills and just really testing my mental strength.

“It would be very prestigious to win and be a part of a very special group of runners to remember as being a winner of the City2Surf,” she said.

Adams will also line up for her debut City2Surf on Sunday. The runner from Adelaide won’t be going into the race completely blind however, as her close friend and training partner happens to be last year’s men’s champion, Isaac Heyne.

“I have family from Sydney, they have run before and often have great stories from the event. It's one of those races that you feel you just need to compete in at least once if you are an elite runner in Australia – it's iconic! My training partner and close friend Isaac Heyne won the race last year, he loved the event and it'll be great to both be there this year to compete,” said Adams.

Also like Blundell, Adams has also podiumed at a string of races this year, including finishing second at the Gold Coast Half Marathon, but has yet to break a tape in 2025.

“I've been really enjoying my running this season. I've been trying out new distances on the roads and just seeing where my fitness takes me. I was really surprised with my second place at the Australian Half Marathon champs on the Gold Coast – I knew I was in good shape but to go out and execute and snag a podium was just an awesome feeling. I'm carrying that momentum through so I'm really hoping that results in a win at the City2Surf. I'd be elated to win. No pressure, but I'll be ready to race hard. Breaking the tape would be the cherry on top of an already great winter season,” she said.

Last year’s third place finisher Bronte Oates is an outside chance for the win this weekend. Still only 20, the Sydneysider will return to the City2Surf start line hoping to repeat her 2024 performance.

“That result meant a lot to me. I’ve been doing fun runs for as long as I can remember, but I’ve started taking things more seriously over the past few years. I’m always up for a challenge, so placing in such an iconic event was a huge honour and a real confidence boost,” said Oates.

“The atmosphere is what makes this race so unique. The crowds, the music and the cheering keep me going along the way. I love the energy of it all, and weirdly, I actually enjoy the hills too. There’s something about being part of such a massive, iconic event that makes it really special,” she said.

Others to watch in the City2Surf women’s race are last year’s runner up Paige Campbell, Ruby Smee, fifth place finisher Danette Sheehan, and Launceston 10km podium finisher Kate Spencer.

The sold-out City2Surf takes place this Sunday and will welcome 90,000 registered participants to the streets of Sydney for another record-breaking event.

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