The world's largest fun run is coming back to Sydney this winter – and entries open tomorrow

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. Keen to get involved? Here's everything you need to know.

When is City2Surf 2026?

This year’s race will take place on Sunday, August 9, 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.

Is registration open for City2Surf 2026? 

Entries for the 2026 City2Surf opened at 12pm AEDT on Thursday, March 26 (yep, that’s tomorrow). Keen? You can register 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.  

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? 

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.

Love running? These are the best running routes in Sydney, and these are the best run clubs in the city.

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