Sydney's City2Surf Is Cancelled For The First Time In 50 Years

Sydney’s City2Surf run has been cancelled for the first time in 50 years. Instead, there will be a virtual run.

On Friday, the organisers announced that the 14km run from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach “will not be possible in 2020”.

“Over recent months we have remained optimistic that we would be still able to hold a physical Sun-Herald City2Surf event on 18 October 2020 alongside our new City2Surf Virtual Run,” an Instagram post reads.

“Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and current NSW Government restrictions on mass gatherings, a physical event cannot take place as planned.

“It’s disappointing, but we were prepared for this, and we will continue to focus all our efforts on bringing to life an exceptional City2Surf Virtual Run experience for you as we celebrate 50 years of fun – virtually – on 18 October 2020.

“Since launching the City2Surf Virtual Run three weeks ago, over 6,000 people have registered, and they’ll be running their local streets with heart this October!”

View this post on Instagram

*Event Update* Over recent months we have remained optimistic that we would be still able to hold a physical Sun-Herald City2Surf event on 18 October 2020 alongside our new City2Surf Virtual Run. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and current NSW Government restrictions on mass gatherings, a physical event cannot take place as planned. It’s disappointing, but we were prepared for this, and we will continue to focus all our efforts on bringing to life an exceptional City2Surf Virtual Run experience for you as we celebrate 50 years of fun – virtually – on 18 October 2020. Since launching the City2Surf Virtual Run three weeks ago, over 6,000 people have registered, and they’ll be running their local streets with heart this October! If you’re not sure whether to join the celebrations, here’s five reasons why we think you should: 1️⃣ It’s our 50th celebration – join us and get a real-life medal to prove it 🎖️ 2️⃣ Use this opportunity to fundraise to help those that need it most. So far, we've raised over $90,000 dollars ♥️ 3️⃣ Make it social and run with your besties – and keep it COVID safe 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 4️⃣ Spring is here, so use the event as an excuse to get fit and healthy 🌻 5️⃣ You can run to your own beat – anywhere, with anyone, anyway you like (except on a treadmill) 🎶 If that’s not enough, we have a little something coming very soon to help entice you and your friends to get involved – watch this space next week to find what goodies could be coming your way! We hope you can join us this October! The City2Surf Virtual Run Team

A post shared by City2Surf (@city2surf) on Sep 3, 2020 at 4:45pm PDT

The virtual run will see runners download a tracking app, which records their distance.

However, there will be no winners or prize money. But, 50th finisher medals celebrating 50 years running will be sent to entrants.

This year marks the first year the City2Surf has been cancelled since it was first held on September 5, 1971.

Unrelated but so relatable! Listen to our favourite moment from Jonesy & Amanda this week here: