Over 1000 runners will take on the heat with the City2Surf set to go ahead

MORE than 1000 Territorians will race from the Darwin Esplanade to the Nightcliff Foreshore as they participate in the hotter than normal 47th edition of the City2Surf.

The The City2Surf is set to kick into the action on Sunday. Territory Health Fund ambassador Amanda Pernechele is running in it for the first time. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

MORE than 1000 Territorians will race from the Darwin Esplanade to the Nightcliff Foreshore as they participate in the hotter than normal 47th edition of the City2Surf this Sunday.

This year’s edition of the annual event will see 1000-plus participants once again, but this time in the heat of October rather than its regularly scheduled June start.

This year the race is starting earlier than normal at 6.15am, with runners split into two waves as part of the event’s COVID safety plan.

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Amanda Pernechele is participating in her first fun run over the 12km distance, having only started running two months ago, but has quickly taken to the sport and is aiming to finish in 1hr 30min.

“This is my first time, so I’m a little bit nervous but more excited, and it just shows that anyone can take part,” Pernechele said.

“I’ve had some training from Top End Athletic movement and now I’m the fittest I’ve ever been.

“We’re lucky to be able to have a race like this in Darwin, so I’m expecting it to be a lot of fun and a great chance for us to take control of our health. To be the Territory Health Fund ambassador and to be able to run in a prestigious event such as the City2Surf, which is known around the country, is incredible.”

Race director Richard Welsh was excited to see race numbers were still strong despite the change of date.

“It’s really refreshing to be able to deliver a major event like this which will be the envy of other major cities,” Welsh said.

“The people of Darwin have responded, coming out and entering in really good numbers, which is great considering we’re in the middle of a pandemic.

“We’re still taking registrations but have exceeded 1000 entrants, which probably meets our expectations as we’re later than normal putting it on so it will be hotter.

“The number one thing for people to remember is to come to the race hydrated. We have four drink stations on course, but the most important thing is to start as hydrated as possible.”

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Registrations remain open, with participants able to head to the Hilton on the Esplanade tomorrow and Saturday for late entries.