Influx of runners and walkers from across the country make this year’s NT Santos City2Surf the second largest ever

The 2021 edition of the NT Santos City2Surf will see the event’s second largest field ever with 1685 runners and walkers to race off from the start line today.

Marathon runner Rob de Castella is among the City2Surf entrants. Picture: Sean Davey

THE 2021 edition of the NT Santos City2Surf will see the event’s second largest field ever with 1685 runners and walkers to race off from the start line on Sunday.

Entrants have come from around Australia, with more than 100 from the Indigenous Marathon Foundation led by former marathon world record holder Rob de Castella.

Men’s defending champion Tim Hewitt starts as the early favourite, but will have plenty of competition, while Olympian Milly Clark headlines the women’s field.

Clark ran a Tasmanian half marathon record on June 13, taking out the Launceston Running Festival in 71:09.

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“The run in Launceston was really pleasing,” she said.

“I didn’t think I was running that well, but maybe I’m in marathon personal best shape.

“We’ll find out when I run the Gold Coast Marathon next Sunday.

“I’m super keen for Sunday to run the NT Santos City2Surf for the first time. I’ve heard so much about it.

“Despite living in Tasmania, I love the tropics and running in the warm weather.”

The first wave of the Territory Health Fund 12km is to take off from the Esplanade from 7am.

All events finish at the Nightcliff pool.