How to turn an ordinary Sunday into a party of 67,000

The event was called the “City to Surf” run. It consisted of a 14 km run that started in the heart of the city and went all the way to Bondi Beach. Anyone can join at a minimal cost and each year the numbers continue to grow. This year it capped out at 67,000 participants.

Some people will walk, run, jog, crawl, you name it! But let’s backtrack a bit and paint the perfect picture for you. Considering I’ve never run this long a race before you think I would possess the common sense to train for it. Well, this wasn’t really the case as there were other matters such as employment, an apartment and just plain laziness that took precedence.

In fact, my pre run meal the night before consisted of a Chili Con Carne meat pie, one hot dog with the works, 2 pitchers of beer and a cheeseburger to cap it off (Please note this was NOT taken all at once but throughout the night).

When it came down to the start of the race we were geared up and ready to go. To be in a crowd of 67,000 people was a good motivator first thing in the morning. As the run progressed we began seeing people who came dressed for the occasion, the most shocking one being a guy dressed up as a condom. People were everywhere whether they were running or cheering us on. There were children, families, office mates and more. There were even several residents that decided to brave the early morning by throwing their couches on the grass, cracking open a beer and playing a few tunes on their instruments.

Our greatest moment had to have been when we finally crossed the finish line at Bondi beach knowing it was finally over. We didn’t finish first, nor did we finish last. In the end, we were above average and placed in the top 20% of the overall group of 67,000 give or take a few people.

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning eh?