Results of the Metro Hotels City2Surf fundraiser for OzHarvest

Metro team fundraising for OzHarvest at City2Surf 2015

The Metro team - headed by Simon Wanstall (Property Manager of Metro Hotel on Pitt) - have fundraised $1500 dollars for OzHarvest during the City2Surf run over the weekend. All of us at Metro are very proud of their effort and dedication. The money raised will help rescue and deliver an additional 3000 meals to vulnerable Australians.

OzHarvest relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to keep their vans on the road rescuing food for those in need. Australia wide they rescue over 260 tonnes of perfectly good food bound for landfill every month, and redistribute it to over 600 charities that feed people in need. This also reduces landfill waste so it's better for the environment too.

By donating to OzHarvest, here are some charities that we've helped:

• “Each day OzHarvest will ring us and see how much food we need. It’s got so big now, to the point where we used to be in the red but now we’re in the black, when it comes to financials, so that money can be distributed to welfare matters more. Before clients were just like, “We’re gonna get some sandwiches up at the Mission,” whereas now they’re like, “What can we pick today?” Full meals. I feel like they’re actually being fed well now, whereas before we couldn’t afford vegetables and fruit. Now they’re actually getting all the vital stuff in their diets; all the greens and the protein and the things that sustain them, plus they get to take some home as well, which is pretty amazing for their evening meals.” - Pastor Brian Unterheinner, Newtown Mission

• “We have had a lot of different occasions where students have come to school and said that “they haven’t eaten over the weekend” or there hasn’t been much food in the house, and so to pack them lunch or to give them fresh food to take home is just amazing and we have to thank OzHarvest for providing food for them!“ - Audrey Nable, Community Liaison Officer at a behavioural school based in Campbelltown

Donations to OzHarvest are welcome and can be made here: https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/metro-hotels-sydney

More food for thought:

• http://www.ozharvest.org/news/ozharvest-and-the-united-nations-call-on-australias-leaders-to-set-a-target-to-reduce-food-waste-by-50-per-cent-by-2025/
• http://www.ozharvest.org/news/ozharvest-successfully-feeds-ten-thousand-people-using-surplus-at-united-nations-think-eat-save-events-to-fight-food-waste/

Social responsibility & community events at Metro Hotel on Pitt

Every month, staff at Metro Hotel on Pitt have been participating in events and helping charities to give something back to the community and more. 

What we have done so far in 2015:

• March: Earth Hour – all public spaces candle lit and all energy savings in place that day, encouraged guests to do so also.
• April: ANZAC day – supported Legacy Sydney with sales of coffee/tea during the march that raised over $700 https://legacy.everydayhero.com/au/metro-hotel-on-pitt We also offered 10 cents tea and coffee to war veterans.
• May: InstaPhoto walk – Engaged with Sydney’s biggest festival through local photography http://metrohotelonpitt.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/vivid-photowalk-competition-winner.html and
  metrohotelonpitt.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/vivid-sydney-festival-photowalk.html
• June: Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – held a staff bake and share event which raised $130 through donations to help cancer research https://secure.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?Referrer=%26Referrer%3ddirect%252fnone&RegistrationID=888905#&panel1-2
• July: Sydney Homeless Connect – 25% of our employees volunteered their time to be chaperones for the day. We are also washing the 200+ volunteer shirts before and after the event. Here they have thanked us on their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyhomelessconnect/posts/1124538430894713?notif_t=page_tag
• August [LATEST]: OzHarvest fundraiser at City2Surf – lead by Simon and supported by our amazing staff, we've fundraised $1.5K for OzHarvest - money will help rescue and deliver an additional 3000 meals to Aussies in need: https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/metro-hotels-sydney

What’s Next?

 R U OK? Day - The welfare of our guests, colleagues and loved ones is important here at Metro Hotel on Pitt. During September we will be holding a series of events to encourage conversation, promote friendship, comradery and hopefully raise the awareness of the campaign to ask R U OK?

Metro Hotel Group has a strong history of ensuring their workforce is given the opportunity to talk to someone should anything not be okay through their Employee Assistance Line and Metro Hotel on Pitt is delighted to further strengthen this link and communication about mental health.

Events for our hotel team will include:

• Coffee making classes
• Bread making experience
• Sushi rolling class
• Wine tasting
• Tea tasting

We will also be holding trust based games and talking a lot more about the stigmas behind this simple question. Our mantra borrowed from www.RUOK.org.au, is that it isn’t okay to ask to borrow someone’s toothbrush, but it is okay to ask R U OK?

Metro staff participates in City2Surf to fundraise for Ozharvest

Simon (GM of Metro Hotel on Pitt) has coordinated a ‘Metro Hotels Sydney’ team for the City2Surf, which is happening this weekend!

We hope to raise money for OzHarvest Sydney so they can continue their excellent work with homelessness. Please help us to help them!

You don’t need to participate in the race to help. Donations are welcome and can be made here: https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/metro-hotels-sydney

Feel free to share this info amongst friends and family!

Thanks in advance for your support!

http://metrohotelsstaff.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/metro-hotels-sydney-city2surf.html

 

The fastest way to fitness: running

Photo: istock

Running is simply the best medicine, writes Clive Hopkins.

CITY2SURF EVENT GUIDE: www.city2surf.com.au

'Humans really are born to run," says Sydney-based personal trainer Mike Moore. "It's a very simple form of exercise - it's low cost, and you can do it anywhere, anytime."

Moore's clients range from complete novices, right up to the kind of elite athletes who will run The Sun-Herald City 2 Surf presented by Westpac in under an hour.

Moore believes that when people start running training, they notice an improvement in their fitness very quickly, more quickly than they would in other forms of exercise. "Your body already knows how to do it, which is the opposite of something like swimming."

And while there are techniques involved in running, it's not necessary to go down the technical path to get something from the activity.

For anyone taking up running for the first time, Moore advises getting some correct footwear (which doesn't have to cost $300), before setting achievable goals for yourself.

"I'm big on getting a sense of achievement from exercise. For the first time ever, this might just be running from one lamp post to the next lamp post."

The rule of thumb for those starting out is that you should be able to talk while jogging. "You should be comfortable, so that at the end of a run, you feel you could have done a bit more."

Even those who resist the idea of running can get a lot out of it.

Moore recalls one client saying to him, 'if you ever make me run, I'll leave'.

"She'd been made to run at school, and got no enjoyment out of it. Now, though, she's done several 10-kilometre races."

For Moore, one of the most striking benefits of running is the potential for weight loss. "I'll stick my neck out and say that, in my experience, if someone starts running two or three times a week, their body will change for the better."

Moore's reluctant runner client lost an incredible 20 kilograms, essentially, he believes, just from running.

"In contrast to something like cycling, running is a whole-body exercise that uses upper and lower body muscles," says Dr Rhonda Orr, senior lecturer in exercise and sports science at The University of Sydney.

"The changes [adaptations] brought about by aerobic exercise like running are very beneficial."

What lay people refer to as an increased fitness or aerobic capacity, health professionals refer to as an improved VO2 max score.

Orr says there are two components to VO2 max - an essential component to do with your heart, and a peripheral component to do with capillary (small blood vessel) density and mitochondria (the "energy storehouses" of the body), and associated enzyme action.

"If we look at the heart, running training over time will lead to a decrease in the resting heart rate, as well as a decrease in the sub-maximal heart rate for any activity," says Orr. "This is good adaptation.

"There is also an increase in the heart's 'stroke volume', that is, how much blood is ejected from the heart during every cardiac cycle. The heart is pumping more effectively, leading to improved circulation."

Aside from the benefits to the heart, running requires the whole body to work together in unison, to deliver more oxygen to the working muscle. Increased mitochondria and enzyme action leads to improved fat mobilisation.

"The increased capacity to transport fats leads to an improved fat utilisation during exercise," says Orr. "By doing this, you spare your glucose or your glycogen stores, which your body uses for short bursts of energy.
"When you train well, you're not only training your muscles and endurance - you're training your body to use optimal energy stores."

It's this better fat utilisation that can result in weight loss.

Running training can also lead to better blood glucose control.

"This is also good for our general health," says Orr.

"If we improve our glucose kinetics, we can help retard, not just the onset of type-2 diabetes, but potentially also the onset of metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of conditions: high blood pressure, high glucose, high cholesterol, and excess body fat around the waist, which are all connected with cardio-vascular disease."

For those who already have type-2 diabetes, running is a good adjunct to their medication, and running can also help reduce blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients.

Moore, though, believes that running is good for you in ways that go far beyond the physical. "I feel it's also a great benefit for mental health - something you can enjoy by being by yourself, or as part of a group.

"The great attraction of running is being able to do it anywhere, whether it's a city or the Sinai desert," he says.

"I've actually used running to explore New York City. You see people and places you wouldn't see if you were in a car, because you're amongst it."

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/athletics/the-fastest-way-to-fitness-20140723-3cf2b.html

Weekend Warriors Sweat for Charity

Paddlers in pink took to the water at Darling Harbour on Sunday to compete in the annual Dragons Abreast charity regatta to raise money for breast cancer research and support.

Meanwhile, two last-minute entrants took out the top spots in the inaugural Run Sydney half marathon, which was presented by The Sun-Herald and held at Sydney Olympic Park.

Dejen Gebreselassie, a 21-year-old from Kingsford, won the race, while the first woman over the line was Jane Fardell, 33, from Dubbo.
 
“It was a tough race but a great flat course,” Mr Gebreselassie said of the race, which was presented by The Sun Herald.

A spokeswoman said both Mr Gebreselassie and Ms Fardell had joined the race as last-minute entrants.

More than 6000 runners, joggers and walkers entered the three races: a three-kilometre children's run, a 10-kilometre run or walk and the half marathon course. The event raised more than $80,000 for charities across Australia, including charity partner beyondblue.

Elsewhere, Sydneysiders were out in force for the Seven Bridges Walk, which raised money for the Cancer Council.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/weekend-warriors-sweat-for-charity-20131027-2w9bk.html#ixzz2izKEPeSu

Sydney Festival Fun Run Has An '80s Flavour

THE Sydney Festival will bring the city back to the '80s for day one of its opening Fun Run.

In an ode to the Greek messenger Pheidippides - who ran 42.2km to Athens without stopping - performance artist Tristan Meecham, AKA Humps, will attempt to run a marathon on a treadmill dressed in tight Lycra shorts and gold sneakers to a soundtrack with visual effects.

Joining Humps for the January 5 event at Hyde Park will be an entourage of cheer squads including members of Redfern-based '80s aerobics group, Physique Aerobics.

Founder Kirk Docker said his team's job will be to ensure the crowd's spirits are keep high during the gruelling on-stage marathon.

"In terms of the Fun Run we have been asked to be part of the different community groups that participate on the day and help rev up the crowds," Mr Docker said.

"From footage of marathons I have seen it takes considerable time to run the marathon so we will be keeping the crowd's energy up and keeping them interested with a bunch of classic '80s aerobics moves."

2012 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival - 16th September

When is the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?

The 2012 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival will be held on Sunday 16 September.

What is the date of the 2013 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival?

The 2013 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival will be held on Sunday, 22 September 2013.

Who can enter the event?

Anyone can enter the event whether you are an elite athlete, club runner, gym member, or simply someone who enjoys a social walk or jog. The event has four different distances to chose from so there is a run to suit all fitness levels and they all go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Who owns the event?

This event is owned by Athletics Australia, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for managing the sport of athletics in Australia. It is important to note that all profits from the event go back into the community through Athletics Australia’s programs making this event one of the only true charitable running events in the country.

Why was the event started?

The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival is the only remaining legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It started in 2001 when the NSW Government approved the continuation of a marathon in Sydney to promote fitness and health for the NSW community and to position Sydney as an international tourist destination. Twelve years on and the Blackmores Sydney Marathon and Running Festival is one of the most spectacular running events and marathons in the world.

How much has been raised over the years?

We are delighted to report that the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival has raised over $9.6 million for charitable causes raising a record $2.4 million in 2011. Our target for 2012 is $2.5 million.

How can I fundraise and run for free?

To get your entry fee refunded simply reach the individual target set for your event. Click here to learn how you can help us meet our overall fundraising target of $2.5 million and also how you can run for free.

What does my entry fee cover?

Besides a great day out with your friends and family, your event fee goes towards staging one of the most challenging events within Sydney, including extensive road closures, policing and other vital infrastructure to ensure a successful event for participants and non participants in Sydney.

Your event kit contains your race bib, timing chip, clothing bag, useful event information as well as a load of sponsor goodies. Each entrant will also receive free public transport to and from the event by showing your event bib. Each finisher will also receive a quality commemorative medal featuring an Australian athletic legend. Marathon finishers will also receive a finishers t-shirt for their efforts.

Can I volunteer to help?

Not participating, but still want to be part of the action and have some fun? Why not join the Suncorp Bank Volunteer team? Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, meet people with similar interests and of course have fun and help some amazing people achieve their individual goal on event day. Click here to get involved >>

Will the event be broadcast on TV?

The 2012 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival event broadcast will be on Channel 9 on Sunday, November 18 2012.

Who can I contact for more information?

Visit our contact us page for all the details you will require.

Find Out More at the Offical site

Metro Hotels Staff Participating in the Annual Syd...

Metro Hotels Staff Participating in the Annual Sydney City 2 Surf Fun Run

Mandurah To Host Australia's Premier Ironman 70.3 Event

Mandurah will become home to Australia's premier Ironman 70.3 event in October thanks to sponsorship through Eventscorp's Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions.

The new Ironman 70.3 Australian Professional Championship (APC) will be the nation's main qualifier for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in the USA and is expected to attract a high quality field. The Mandurah Ironman 70.3 will be the showpiece of the Australian half ironman calendar and as such will be a great event to promote Mandurah, the Peel region and WA to the world.

The Ironman 70.3 series is the fastest growing triathlon series in the world, with more than 35 events held internationally as qualifiers for the World Championships. The Mandurah 70.3 is expected to attract about 1,500 competitors and thousands of visitors to the Peel region. Competitors will race over a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and a 21.1km run, incorporating Mandurah's beautiful waterways, foreshore, and city centre.
Mandurah To Host Australia's Premier Ironman 70.3 Event

Go Run in Queensland - Running News Australia

There are some excellent fun runs and half to full marathon races coming up in the next few months. Here is two great events you can participate in in the sunny state of Queensland.

Mackay Marina Run
When: 3 June 2012
Where: Mackay
Web: www.mackaymarinarun.com

The BMA Mackay Marina Run is the signature running event for the exciting and expanding city of Mackay. The event showcases the spectacular features of this tropical coastal city and celebrates the role that fun and fitness has in the community. While attracting running enthusiasts from around the country it also has a key focus of attracting first time competitors through the provision of a half marathon, an eight kilometre run, a five kilometre fun run, corporate challenge and three kilometre junior dash. There is also entertainment including traditional jazz and rock n roll to enhance the great feel to the event. What's more, significant funds are raised for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon (MAJOR EVENT)
When: 30 June - 1 July 2012
Where: Southport, Gold Coast
Web: www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon, a major Australian running event will feature a marathon, half marathon, 10 kilometre run, five kilometre challenge and junior dash races for the kids over four kilometres and two kilometres. More than 25,000 people from around the world are set to participate and enjoy the spectacular Gold Coast views and great atmosphere along the course. The event also includes a bumper ASICS Sport and Leisure Expo for running and fitness enthusiasts.

Join Community Running for the Fun of It

IT IS no surprise record numbers of people are signing up to compete in community running events such as The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon presented by Colonial First State.

The combination of healthy activity, a fun day out, personal challenge and, for many, the unique opportunity to run on city streets normally choked with traffic is a winning one, according to Olympic Games marathon hopeful Michael Shelley.

"Fun runs have become really popular in the last 20 years, I think because people see running as a relatively cheap way to get fit," he said. "With the pressure of the family budget, gyms often aren't a good option. All you need is a pair of shoes and sports clothes to go running. It's also flexible because you don't have to work around a class time, you just go out for a run when you can and according to how much time you've got."


Events such as the Half Marathon - only three weeks away on Sunday, May 20 - act as a goal for runners of all levels, Shelley, the race's special ambassador, said.

"There is definitely a buzz and camaraderie among the crowd," he said. "One of my favourites is [The Sun-Herald] City2Surf, not only because I have won it but because a number of my mates have come down from the Gold Coast and we've made a weekend of it. I also enjoy the London Marathon with the crowds and just the amazing feeling of running through the city and seeing these world-famous landmarks; it's a little bit surreal.

"The Half Marathon is a race like that. It attracts people who love the idea of running through the streets of Sydney, by the harbour. At the very least if you're finding the going a bit difficult, you can distract yourself by watching the scenery."

This weekend Shelley, 28, will be joined by his brother Mitchell and dad Jim at a Gold Coast fun run.
With 12,000 people already registered, entries are filling fast for the 2012 Half Marathon - enter now at smhhalfmarathon.com.au.

The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon presented by Colonial First State is sponsored by New Balance, Rebel Sport, Gatorade, Seiko, 2UE, Run 4 Your Life, 93.5FM, Sheraton on the Park Sydney, GU Energy Gel, East Sail and charity partner Breast Cancer Network Australia.

View source

Fitness Seekers Look for Function Over Fad

Fitness trends this year focus on a functional, holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Gym junkies are trying everything from Mixed Martial Arts training programs to ‘Battleropes’ to Russian military-style strength and conditioning tools. However, those looking for something new should beware of ineffective ‘fads’.

National Fitness Development Manager of Fitness First Australia, Martin Harasek, said: “Only fitness trends based on sound scientific foundations . . . that are fun, motivating and can be consistently incorporated into one’s every day routine . . . will survive in such a fast-paced and innovative industry.”

It is often difficult for first-timers to navigate through the plethora of information and services available to determine a suitable fitness regime.

Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney Medical School, Dr Hidde Van Der Ploeg, said: “Any physical activity with at least a moderate intensity is beneficial for your health . . . The best way for most people to engage long term in a physical activity is for it to be functional and enjoyable.”

A report by the World Health Organisation suggests that just 30 minutes per day improves overall health and reduces the chance of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Founder of The Jungle Body, Tara Franzinelli developed the dance-based exercise in Western Australia because she saw a gap in the market.

The Jungle Body combines Latin and contemporary dance, hip-hop, boxing, pilates, 70s disco and football training to help participants burn around 600 calories per class.

“After working in America as a business consultant to a major gym, I realised Australian group fitness had become uninspiring, ineffective and well behind international standards,” Ms Franzinelli said.

Jungle Body first-timer Veronica Vella said while she wouldn’t abandon her gym membership but she could see the benefit in using the new workout to complement her routine.

“If you want to tone-up and have fun, [The Jungle Body] is really good,” she said. “I probably do enjoy this more because of the music and the moves.”

While The Jungle Body is sure to be a hit, Mr Harasek at Fitness First Australia said physical activity should be enjoyable and consistent.

“It is not critically important to follow trends in the fitness industry – the important part is to find activities [you] enjoy and can incorporate into a consistent routine,” he said.

(Source: City News, 18 January 2012)

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Hills Dirt Fest on This Weekend

ADVENTURE seekers and adrenalin junkies will be out in force on the Hawkesbury River on October 22 and 23 for the 2011 Sydney Hills Dirt Fest.

Three hardcore events, two days off-road action and a $1000 prize for both men and women await experienced and novice thrill-seekers, with nine off-road events for everyone from children, families and weekend warriors, right up to off-road athletes.

The NSW Dirt Master and Dirt Mistress Championships are the highlight of Dirt Fest.

Dirt Master champions will take part in three long course events over the two days in the area surrounding Riverside Oaks Golf Course, including:

The Tre-X off-road triathlon series (700m swim, 20km mountain bike, 8km trail run), an 8km off-road trail run and a 50km cross country mountain bike event

The male and female with the best cumulative time over the three events will be awarded the title of NSW Dirt Master or Dirt Mistress plus a $1000 cash prize.

If an 8km run is a bit much, you can join a range of short course events and free children’s events:

Saturday morning: Tre-X off-road triathlon short course (350m swim 10km mountain bike 4km trail run), Tre-X off-road triathlon teaser course (150m swim 5km mountain bike 1.2km trail run), or Mud Rats kids’ fun run.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Sydney Hills Dirt Fest on This Weekend

The Sunday Age City2Sea 2011 - Melbourne Fun Run

The sister event to the world’s largest run is coming to Melbourne. The Sunday Age City2Sea presented by Westpac will take place for the very first time on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Get your entry in before midnight, Friday, October 21, 2011 to take advantage of our early bird rate.

The 14km course starts at the Arts Centre in the CBD, travels along St Kilda Road, around the Albert Park Grand Prix track and on to a spectacular finish by the sea in St Kilda.

Elite runners, joggers and walkers from around Australia will be joined by many dressed in novelty themed costumes with live music along the route.

The City2Sea is working closely with our official charity partner Movember; a global movement aimed at changing the face of men's health, amongst a range of other charities.

Australia’s original and premier running event, The Sun-Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac, celebrated its 40th run in 2010. With a sold-out field of 85,000 entrants raising over $3 million for charity in 2011, it is the world’s largest run. Fairfax Events has proudly organised this important event since 1971 and is excited to introduce a uniquely Victorian edition.

Find out more at the offical website: http://www.thecity2sea.com.au/

Easy as a Walk in the Park

What do you get when you combine a few thousand like-minded people with one of the world’s best harbours and a warm spring day?

Sydney’s Seven Bridges Walk offers all this plus the chance to feel good by donating to a worthy cause, Cancer Council NSW.

Registrations have opened for the walk, which is on Sunday, October 30. The event is proudly supported by The Sunday Telegraph and Channel 7 and is in its sixth year.

The Seven Bridges Walk is not a race. It is simply a community event that aims to engage Sydneysiders in the pleasure of walking.

And what better environment than to capture the stunning vista of Sydney Harbour, taking in its famous bridges such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Gladesville Bridge, Anzac Bridge, Iron Cove Bridge, Pyrmont Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge and Fig Tree Bridge.

The 27km closed course will be open from 7.30am on event day and competitors can start the course at any point, going in a clockwise direction. There will be seven villages at key points around the course – each village providing refreshments to walkers.

For more information log on to www.7bridgeswalk.com.au

More Proof That Exercise Reduces Panic Attacks

Working up a sweat on a regular basis reduces the risk of panic attacks, says new research from the US.

The study tested a group of people’s reactions to inhaling carbon dioxide-rich air, which brings on nausea, shortness of breath and dizziness – symptons that are similar to anxiety and can lead to panic attacks.

Researchers found those who exercised regularly reported less agoogle.comnxiety after inhalation than those who did not.

Tens of Thousands Finish Sydney's City2Surf

POUNDING THE PAVEMENT: Thousands of runners entered this year's City to Surf. Picture: Getty Source: The Daily Telegraph

A LIMPING Batman, Stig impersonator and a man carrying a yoga mat cut into the shape of a BMX bike were among the tens of thousands who completed this year's City2Surf.

For the first time people can remember, the popular Sydney occasion went ahead beneath grey skies - but that didn't dampen the spirit of the event, which was this year won by Victorian Liam Adams in 41 minutes and 11 seconds.

Race favourite Michael Shelley from Queensland finished two seconds behind him, while Canberra's Martin Dent was third.

It was the first time Adams, a 24-year-old student from Moonee Ponds in Victoria, took part in the event.

"I never thought I was going to win it,'' the five times Australian world cross country champion told AAP.

"He's (Shelley) won it before and he knows how to win this race.

"I was hurting from about Heartbreak Hill.

"I thought he was going to drop me many times during that race.''

Adelaide physiotherapist Jessica Trengove, 23, was the first woman across the line in a time of 47 minutes and 29 seconds.

Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley took 38 minutes and three seconds to complete the course to become the first wheelchair athlete at Bondi.

His jubilant smile belied the fact he was suffering from a cold.

"I've lost my voice,'' he said.

"But good day, mate, good race.''

A record 85,000 competitors took part in this year's event, making it a bigger crowd drawer than the London marathon and New York marathon combined.

Many took it seriously - others embraced the carnival atmosphere.

Martin Doak, from Artarmon, finished the course in just under 60 minutes while carrying a yoga mat which had been cut into the shape of a BMX bike.

A limping Batman was also seen, as was a giant chicken, girls dressed as green fairies, girls in hot pink velour tracksuits with matching hair, and a young girl wearing pyjamas and carrying a teddy bear.

A man resembling the Stig from the British television motoring show Top Gear walked, rather than jogged, past the finish line.

Those wanting to do it all again sooner than in 12 months time have the option of going in Melbourne's City to Sea fun fun.

The 14km event is being held for the first time, on November 13.

The 2011 Sun Herald City2Surf Event

The 2011 event is shaping up to be the biggest in the race’s history, with more than 80,000 people expected to enter the 14km event, and the marathon man of wheelchair sports and two-time Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley on hand to kick start the event’s first ever elite wheelchair start.

Runners can make their participation even more rewarding by fundraising for their favourite charity. To incentivise participants, The Sun-Herald will donate $10,000 to the chosen charity of the both the highest fundraising individual and team.

The event aims to raise much needed funds for more than 500 charities. With $2.8 million raised in 2010 for charities across the country, participants are encouraged to help raise even more in 2011.
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EVENT DETAILS:
Name of event: The Sun Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac
Date: Sunday, August 14, 2011
Location: Spectacular course from Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach
Distance: 14km
Description: Australia’s serious runners, joggers, walkers and pram pushers are invited to be part of Sydney’s favourite sporting event, The Sun Herald City2Surf presented by Westpac, on Sunday, August 14.

For Ideal Sydney Accommodation for the City2Surf - Metro Hotels

Everyone Invited to be a Champion at Sydney City2surf

WITH entries for the 2011 City2Surf opening next week, I am keen to help you enjoy the challenge that only this iconic Sydney event can provide.

The first thing to remember is that as it is the world's largest run, there will be thousands of people participating with you and, although there are a number of different start groups, it is important to realise that for most of the event you will be surrounded by others. I would suggest that you walk or run in similar environments before the day to get accustomed to this claustrophobic feeling, as it can be quite unnerving.

The course is one of the most spectacular in the world as you leave the city and wind your way around the harbour and then down to Bondi. And while I say down to Bondi, there are a significant number of ups in the run. I like to think of it as a human roller-coaster with the kilometre through Rose Bay the only real flat section of the course. It is also 14 kilometres in distance, which is a third of a marathon, so it is not just a walk around your local park.

Sydney CBD Hotels (Tourist and Visitor Information and Events): Big Events Safe Under West Push: O'Farrell

Sydney CBD Hotels (Tourist and Visitor Information and Events): Big Events Safe Under West Push: O'Farrell