Nov 25, 2016

City2surf Charity Run – Sydney, Australia

My first ever charity run transpired when I was living in the Blue Mountains in Australia performing my house and cat sitting duties.  I was also writing my debut book, Pringles, Visas and a Glow in the Dark Jesus when I decided to enter the city2surf 14km charity run.  I wanted to raise money for Cancer Council NSW.  This was to be in memory of my Mum who sadly died from the disease in October 2013.

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The early start…

The day started with an abrupt awakening from my alarm clock at 5.30am, my pile of running clothes next to me for a quick dress and exit. I then found myself stumbling around the garden in the dark whispering for Hilda (one of the cats) so that I could make sure she was fed. It turned out she was hiding comfortably in the living room!  With the cats fed I then made my 5.50am rendezvous with my neighbour, Bogna, out in the street.

The 6.13am train from Warrimoo to Sydney Central buzzed with lots of people dressed in lycra and running shoes. It was freezing!  The air conditioning was set on full blast andwe both shivered the whole way there in our thin long-sleeved tops.  Bags were a no-go as we had to run with everything we brought with us. My must have items consisted of a tissue, lip balm and a credit card stuffed down my very tight sports top.  I looked slightly deformed but luckily the photo across the finishing line didn’t pick up my lumpy torso.

Hilda...one of the lovely cats I was entrusted with

Hilda…one of the lovely cats I was entrusted with

Portaloos, shuffling and dodging hoodies…

After a thirty minute queue for the portaloos we only just made it in time for the 8.30am set off time.  It then took another five minutes of shuffling in the crowds of runners while dodging hoodies and jumpers that were being hurtled to the sides of the road. It was like it was raining hoodies!  There were hundreds of them being thrown in the air, landing in trees and on traffic lights.  These were eventually picked up by the charities who collected them after the race had finished to donate to various organisations.

The actual run…

Hyde Park to Bondi Beach was the route. Bogna was my tour guide as we ran through Double Bay, Rose Bay and Vaucluse as she told me all about the areas. Bands randomly appeared in bus shelters playing their instruments.  Strangers on the pavements encouraged the runners not to stop.  Then there were the sticky Gatorade stations for those who were in need of a quick sugar fix. We run through the finish line and queued another 30 minutes for the toilet before we finally sat down for lunch and much needed coffees. The run took us 1 hour 37 minutes to complete and I am now the proud owner of a very heavy medal.  I have to say it was the last thing I wanted hanging around my neck after a long run!

Holding our very heavy medals at Bondi Beach

Holding our very heavy medals at Bondi Beach

Unbelievable generosity…

I raised a total of $526.25 (just short of £300) which was incredible. Thanks again to everyone who very kindly donated.  I was so touched by people’s generosity. There was an incredible 81,420 runners that took part in the event and over $4 million was raised. Apparently, it is the largest charity run in the world.  It was an amazing experience to be one of the thousands of runners that took part in this huge charity event.

Links:

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10 August 2014

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