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.

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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.

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.