There are a few events that reliably punctuate Sydney's annual calendar, and bring a uniting kind of energy to the city every year. The City2Surf – the 55-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. If you’ve signed up and are wondering what to do next, we’re here to help.
When is City2Surf 2025?
This year’s race will take place on Sunday, August 10, 2025, 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.
Can you still register for City2Surf 2025?
Entries for the 2025 City2Surf opened at 11am AEDT on Wednesday, March 26 and are now closed. That being said, you can still participate if you're up for becoming a Charity Superstar and fundraising for one of a few select charities (more on that here).
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. For hyper-healthy smoothies and activewear giveaways, head to the P.E Nation afterparty at Glory Days (steps from the sand). Nearby on the corner of Gould Street and Beach Road, supplement brand Pillar Performance is bringing to life a high-energy street party soundtracked by live DJs and fuelled by a free (while stocks last) recovery menu. 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?
If you're not willing to bank on scoring a free massage at The Sheaf, we're here to help. Lots of Sydney's best day spas offer dedicated treatments for runners, including remedial massage, acupuncture and contrast therapy. Our top pick for post-run recovery is RCVRI – the futuristic wellness brand is offering half price treatments (including compression boot sessions and hyperbaric chambers) to City2Surf runners from August 10 - 14.
Love running? These are the best running routes in Sydney, and these are the best run clubs in the city.
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