Returning for its 56th year, the annual City2Surf will once again take over Sydney this August. Whether you’re a first-time runner or a seasoned pro, we’ve got all the first-hand knowledge to help you tackle this year’s edition of the world’s largest fun run.
The decades-old fun run has long held great importance for Sydney and the city’s sense of community, welcoming runners of all abilities to take on a 14-kilometre track from Hyde Park in the CBD to the sunny shores of Bondi Beach. But it’s rarely ever “just a run” here, with Sydney’s streets coming to life with runners, walkers, dancers, pram pushers and street entertainers.
Approximately 90,000 runners took part last year, a far cry from the 1,500 participants who were part of the very first City2Surf in 1971.
This year, City2Surf takes place on the morning of Sunday, August 9, with the first group starting at 7:35am and the last group starting at 9:27am. The race starts at the intersection of Park Street and College Street, and the finish line is on Queen Elizabeth Drive at Bondi.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 edition of City2Surf.
City2Surf 2026
Group categories and start times
The Open Start Groups include:
- Purple Group: For semi-serious runners who intend to run the whole distance. Race starts at 7:54am.
- Blue Group: For those who will try to run or jog the whole way, but also want to have a good time. Race starts at 8:22am.
- Yellow Group: For all abilities; however, you might stop to take some selfies or chat to the crowd. Race starts at 9am.
- Orange Group: Everyone is welcome, including runners, fun groups, joggers, families, disco partiers, pushed wheelchairs and walkers. Race starts at 9:27am.
The Qualifying Start Groups require qualifying evidence from the runner of being able to run 14km within a certain time. These groups include:
- Elite: This will include the top 30 runners. Race starts at 7:35am.
- Preferred: This is for sub-elite speedy runners, looking to chase the Elite Group. Race starts at 7:35am.
- Red Group: For active runners who intend to race against the clock. Race starts at 7:35am.
- Green Group: Those who have trained hard and are ready for a PB. Race starts at 7:40am.
Can I still sign up?
Unfortunately, regular entries to City2Surf are closed; however, you can still purchase VIP Lane and Charity Superstar places.
Charity Superstars get free entry to City2Surf, and priority start in the exclusive charity wave. To be a Charity Superstar, you have to commit to raising $1000 for one of City2Surf’s charity partners, which you can see here.
You can still secure a spot in the VIP Lane, but it’ll cost you a hefty $600. The premium package includes access to the exclusive pre-race VIP area, a personalised race bib, VIP bag drop and collection, and entry to the Finish Line Refresh Area in Bondi, where you’ll have access to private toilets and changerooms, ideal for freshening up before heading off to your post-race celebrations. You can see the full list of benefits and enter the VIP Lane here.
The course
City2Surf is one of the most iconic courses in the world, taking runners past some of Sydney’s favourite suburbs and finishing on the world-famous Bondi Beach.
Starting in the buzzy CBD at the intersection of Park Street and College Street, runners will make their way downhill on William Street before heading through the Kings Cross Tunnel. Continuing along New South Head Road, runners will pass through the picturesque harbourside suburb of Rose Bay, before tackling the notorious Heartbreak Hill.
After runners have overcome the steepest part of the course, they’ll turn the corner at Vaucluse onto South Head Road, before proceeding onto Military Road. As they race down the hill, they’ll take in stunning ocean views before turning around at Curlewis Street and crossing the finish line on Queen Elizabeth Drive to Bondi.
Next, runners can grab their Finisher’s Medal and head to one of the many events in Bondi for a well-deserved schooner.
You can view the full course here.
What is Heartbreak Hill?
Heartbreak Hill is the most challenging (and infamous) part of City2Surf. It consists of a two-kilometre incline, located approximately six kilometres into the course. Stretching from Rose Bay to Vaucluse along New South Head Road, the hill ascends about 75 metres, with an average gradient of 3-4%.
Sounds horrible, doesn’t it? Luckily, the runners who push through are rewarded with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, so if you’re going to stop for a selfie anywhere, this is the place to do it.
