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There are a handful of events that reliably punctuate Sydney's annual calendar, and bring a uniting kind of energy to the city year after year, whatever the weather. The City2Surf – the 56-year-old fun run that takes over Sydney for one Sunday every August – is one of them. The annual event (currently officially titled the Voltaren City2Surf) sees runners of all abilities take on a 14-kilometre race through the city, winding up on the world-famous shores of Bondi Beach for what inevitably unfolds into a gloriously sweaty pub crawl. Getting involved? Here's everything you need to know.
When is City2Surf 2026?
This year’s race will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with runners leaving the starting line at staggered intervals between 7.35am and 9.55am.
Where does the City2Surf go?
The fun run takes athletes (and non-athletes, no slow-shaming here) on a 14-kilometre route through the city’s east: starting in Hyde Park in Sydney’s CBD, then running along William Street through Kings Cross, along New South Head Road through Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay and Rose Bay, up the infamous ‘Heartbreak Hill’ (a two-kilometre incline into Vaucluse), along Old South Head Road past Dover Heights, then along Military Road and Campbell Parade to the finish line in Bondi Beach.
Is registration open for City2Surf 2026?
General entry has sold out, but you can still sign up as a charity superstar if you commit to raising $1,000 for one of the race's chosen charity partners. You can learn more about that option over here.
How much does City2Surf cost?
For first release, general entry costs $99, or $51 for kids between 10 and 17 and $30 for children under nine. As mentioned above, these options have sold out, so your option now is to agree to raising a good chunk of cash for charity.
Best places to prepare for City2Surf?
Forgot to train? Me too. If you're squeezing in some top-tier last-minute race prep, we'd suggest joining Peloton's Sunrise Mobility Class and Morning Run at Clovelly Surf Club on Friday, August 7. The morning kicks off with a panel on resilience and mental health in partnership with Beyond Blue, followed by a mobility session led by Peloton instructor Joslyn Thompson Rule and guest instructor Tim Robards, before heading out for a cruisy run with Coogee Run Club. Prefer a caffeine-fuelled warm-up? Swing by HOKA's City2Surf Pit Stop at Moore Park on Saturday morning, where you can test-drive the brand's latest runners, grab a coffee and tap into the pre-race buzz before the big day.
Best places to eat and drink after City2Surf?
Bondi's best restaurants and cute neighbourhood bars often book out on the big day, so you'll want to get in quick. If you're after a fluid-replenishing beer, head to one of Bondi's best bars – Harry's, Ravesis, North Bondi Fish and Bondi Diggers will all be pumping. If you're up for a little journey, jump on a (free) shuttle bus to The Golden Sheaf for their annual 'City2Sheaf' celebration – complete with a brunch-style menu, excellent drink deals and free massages for runners.
Best places to recover after City2Surf?
Once you've conquered Heartbreak Hill and crossed the finish line, we’d suggest making a beeline for Peloton's Refresh Station in the Finisher's Village – kitted out with recovery gear including Normatec compression boots and massage guns, fresh juices, post-race essentials to help you freshen up and a podium photo wall. If you’ve got energy left to burn, you can also jump on a five-minute Peloton ride or run at the Finisher's Village, with every participant triggering a $10 donation to Beyond Blue (up to $4,000). Need a soak and a steam? Our guide to Sydney’s best spas and bathhouses should help.
Love running? These are the best running routes in Sydney, and these are the best run clubs in the city.
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