An Unforgettable Fun Run In Sydney

Every August, Sydney comes alive with City2Surf, the world’s largest annual ‘fun run’ that brings together tens of thousands of people from all over the world. More than just a race, it’s a celebration of fitness, community spirit and Sydney’s outdoor lifestyle.

This year, this writer was among the 90,000 people who took part in the 14-kilometre run from the city’s bustling CBD (central business district) to the golden sands of the world-famous Bondi Beach, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of his life.

First held 50 years ago, this fundraising event has steadily grown in popularity. According to the official City2Surf website, this year’s edition on Aug 10, organised by Oceania for The IRONMAN Group, successfully raised more than A$4 million, benefitting local charities such as the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Its popularity is one of the reasons Malaysian long-haul, low-cost airline AirAsia X chose to partner with City2Surf, recognising the event as a unique way to combine sport and travel. The airline has been an official partner for the event for the past three years, with this year marking the third year of the partnership under its current agreement with City2Surf.

EVENT FOR EVERYONE

The run offers various categories for participants to choose from, but the 14-km course applies to everyone, regardless of age and ability, making the event not only challenging but also fun and inclusive.

Professional athletes aiming for top rankings and cash prizes must register in the Elite Runner category before the event. Meanwhile, participants who wish to raise funds for charitable causes can sign up under the Charity Superstar category.

The situation in Hyde Park, where participants gathered before the event began at 9.30 am.

For those simply wanting to enjoy the experience, the Fun Run (Orange Wave) category is open to all. The Fun Run is especially inclusive, welcoming anyone from wheelchair users to parents pushing strollers with their little ones.

Each category is assigned a different start time. For instance, the Elite Runners set off at 7.40 am, while Fun Run participants begin at 9.30 am.

ORANGE WAVE EXPERIENCE

I chose to join the Orange Wave group, most of whom had no set finish time as I simply wanted to take it easy and admire the beautiful city.

Before the event began, thousands of participants had already gathered at Hyde Park, leaving very little room to move towards the assembly area.

The views at Scenic World, the Blue Mountains, are spectacular.

Hyde Park, located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, was established in 1810 and is one of Australia’s oldest public parks. It is surrounded by well-known landmarks such as St Mary’s Cathedral, the Australian Museum and Sydney Tower Eye.

A green oasis in the busy city, the park often serves as a popular venue for public events, festivals, protests and community gatherings.

When the run began, the sea of participants filled the streets – not just the fit and strong but also those with disabilities using specially designed hand bikes.

Along the streets, local residents could be seen cheering the runners and even setting up live performances to keep spirits high. Showing solidarity with Palestine, some locals waved Palestinian flags along the roadside.

CONQUERING HEARTBREAK HILL

In the meantime, the drizzle that morning turned into heavy rain, making the run more challenging. By then, I still had six kilometres left before reaching one of the toughest parts of the course, famously known as Heartbreak Hill.

Located at Rose Bay, it stretches two kilometres uphill towards Vaucluse. The slope itself is not very steep, but the long and steady incline is tiring, especially after having already run several kilometres in heavy rain and clothes drenched. Not to mention, the cold weather as the temperature had dropped to around 11 degrees Celsius.

The view from the Sydney Tower Eye shows the beauty of the Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, and even the Blue Mountains in the distance.

Despite the challenges, the stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the sights along the route felt like a soothing balm for my aching muscles.

Speaking of aches and pain, I felt like giving up at one point, but the spirit to continue never completely faded. Perhaps it was the sight of an eight-year-old Australian child running with determination that inspired me to push forward towards the finish line.

FINISH LINE AT BONDI BEACH

As I approached the final kilometre to Bondi Beach, a strong rush of energy and adrenaline returned – it seemed like my fatigue had disappeared and nothing could stop me from completing the run.

With renewed spirit, I sprinted towards the finish line “as if there was no tomorrow”. The sight was unforgettable – the stunning beach, cheering crowd and festive atmosphere. Even the weather cleared up.

The writer successfully completed the City2Surf run with the AAX team and other influencer friends.

And yes, I was proud to receive a medal. Completing the 14-km race in two hours and 44 minutes, it was a personal achievement for me.

Meanwhile, Sydney, one of AirAsia X’s direct destinations from Kuala Lumpur, also has other attractions to offer to visitors, beyond its world-famous fun run.

One of its highlights is Sea Life Aquarium, where one can walk through glass tunnels to view sharks, stingrays, turtles and even playful penguins.

Another stop is Madame Tussauds, a place where celebrities, movie stars and famous leaders come to life in wax. Here, one can pose with the figures, hold props and step into interactive sets like Marvel Super Heroes or scenes from Australian history.

For a burst of adrenaline, I tried the Oz Jet Boat at Sydney Harbour. This is no ordinary boat ride but one with heart-stopping spins, slides and 360-degree turns. While the thrill keeps the heart racing, the beautiful views of Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River make the experience unforgettable and truly worth every penny.

At Taronga Zoo, located right across Sydney Harbour, visitors get to “meet” Australia’s iconic animals such as koalas, kangaroos and wombats, along with other unique species. The zoo also offers entertaining bird shows.

Just outside Sydney is Scenic World in the Blue Mountains. The views here are breathtaking, from the vast eucalyptus forests to the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

Then, there is the Sydney Tower Eye, the tallest building in the city. From the top, whether during the day or at sunset or at night, the 360-degree view is simply stunning. One can see, among others, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and even the Blue Mountains in the distance.