One of the best ways to ensure you are gathering unique travel experiences when you wander through Australia, is to take part in something that A- makes you feel good, B- is fun, and C-you may not do at home.
So how about a large-scale event where there’s a huge crowd involved, outdoors, good atmosphere, great weather, happy people and you can raise a bit of money for charity. Take a break from looking for jobs in Sydney. Look no further than the Sun-Herald City to Surf!
What is City to Surf?
Not just a race, these 14 kilometres of beautiful Sydney will be tread by over 80,000 people on a sunny Sunday in August. This event is not just for a hard-core runner or the uber-fit. The race is open to anyone of any age and ability. Don’t worry; you get allocated a particular group based on your walking or running speed. It is best to travel at the same speed of those around you, fewer cartoon-like tramplings that way.
Will it be fun?
Er… yeeeesss!! Have you ever walked from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach? Convince a couple of your traveling buddies to join as well and you’ve got a nice group to banter with whilst you pound the pavement. Or bring your headphones and tune in to the live music from DJ Hot Dub Time Machine to help you find your running groove. You may not need it though as there are heaps of bands along the route to help cheer you on. You’ll find the Blue Tongue Brass Band waiting for you at 1km, the Australian Army Rock band at 3km, (that’s right people, Army-Rock-Band!), Reggae at 5km, classic jazz at 8km and DJ’s at the very end. Thank goodness you’ll be able to transition seamlessly from a steady jog into a wicked groove once you cross the finish line. Party in your running gear! Plus there’ll be real live cheerleading squads dotted throughout for that extra confidence boost that only cheesy cheerleading squads can give, they may even have their mascots with them.
What shall I wear?
Well, something comfortable obviously BUT – Ok so this next bit of information is very important – COSTUMES. Yes – you may dress up. So you can run (or walk) as superman, or a mermaid or even the Sydney Opera House! Get creative. What makes this even more exciting is the fact that there will be a competition and 4 lucky winners will receive an Airbnb coupon for $1000. Leave the hostel for a week and live it up at an Airbnb! (please note – you have to register for this comp so get on the website and do it!)
Sounds great – but not for me.
If you are not so inclined to go the distance, or feel like the entry fee to participate in the City to Surf may be a little high for your traveling budget, why not volunteer? Volunteering is an absolutely awesome way to still be involved, feel the good vibes, make some friends and fill a whole lot of water cups at the drink stations. Of course you can also be a bystander and soak up the atmosphere that way, clap and cheer on all these excellent individuals, you never know who will hear you.
This is the largest community race in the world and its been ‘running’ since 1971! Definitely something to be involved in, and you can take a little story home with you: ‘The day I ran 14 kilometres dressed at the Sydney Opera House.”
