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

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