City2Surf 2024: Everything you need to know
By Nick Newling
Forget Paris – the real action is in Sydney as the City2Surf returns on Sunday for its 54th year. The race, which has raised more than $55 million since records began in 2008, will see competitive and amateur racers give it their all for a chance at true Australian glory.
Ed Goddard, 26, will return to defend his title as men’s champion after running the 14-kilometre course in just 41 minutes last year, with Leanne Pompeani as the women’s favourite after her 45-minute run in 2022.
Forget Paris… The City2Surf is where the real action is.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos and Edwina Pickles
Here’s everything you need to know about the race.
When is the 2024 City2Surf and can I still enter?
The 54th City2Surf race will take place on Sunday, August 11, starting at 7:35am for competitive runners, and from 7:40am for fun-runners.
The City2Surf attract serious and not-so-serious runners.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
Entries for this year’s race have closed, with all spots selling out last month.
How many people will be taking part this year?
This year’s race will be the City2Surf’s biggest, with 90,000 signed up to take part, almost 10,000 more than last year.
This is the first time the race has sold out since 2019, when the race saw 85,000 people sign up.
What is the route?
The 14-kilometre route begins at Hyde Park at College and Park streets. Competitors will then make their way down William Street before heading through the Kings Cross Tunnel towards Rose Bay.
City2Surf mapCredit: Monique Westermann
At this point racers will take on the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” as they turn north to Vaucluse, before heading south through Dover Heights.
Racegoers cross the finish line on Queen Elizabeth Drive at Bondi, before claiming their medal and enjoying the “event village” on Bondi Beach.
What are the road closures?
Significant road closures will be in effect in the CBD and eastern suburbs throughout the day.
Beginning at 3:30am, sections of College, Park and Macquarie streets will be closed in the CBD until 12pm, with closures on William Street and New South Head Road at Edgecliff from 6am to 12pm.
Further closures in the east will affect New South Head Road at Double Bay, Old South Head Road, and Military Road from 7am to 2pm. Roads at Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach will remain closed until 4pm.
Police have recommended visitors to affected areas take public transport and plan their trips accordingly.
A full list of road closures can be found here.
How do I collect my City2Surf bib?
Racegoers that registered on or after Friday, June 14 will have to collect their racing bib from the City2Surf Expo at Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park. Participants should have already received a QR code.
Competitors are advised to avoid travelling to the expo on Friday after 4:30pm due to road closures at Moore Park for the AFL.
The City2Surf also offers a baggage service at the expo where racers can deposit bags to be collected at the finish line. Bags can be handed in at the Expo between 8am and 6:30pm on Friday, and 7:30am and 4:30pm on Saturday.
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