Returning for its 56th year, the annual City2Surf will once again take over Sydney this weekend on Sunday, August 9. Whether you’re a first-time runner, a seasoned pro or a supporter, 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 sandy 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 spectacular 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 make their way downhill on William Street before heading through the Kings Cross Tunnel. Continuing along New South Head Road, runners pass through the picturesque harbourside suburb of Rose Bay, before tackling the steepest part of the course, the notorious Heartbreak Hill.
After runners have climbed Heartbreak Hill, 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 and beyond to begin their recovery.
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 per cent.
Sounds horrible, doesn’t it? Luckily, the runners who push through are rewarded with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, so if you’re going to stop for a selfie anywhere, this is the place to do it.
Where can I watch and support the runners?
If you didn’t get around to entering this year or pounding the pavement just isn’t for you, you can still get involved in this year’s City2Surf by cheering from the sidelines. There are plenty of vantage points to watch the pros fly by or enjoy the colour and costumes of entrants who are more focused on the fun rather than the run.
Enjoy the energy of the runners early in the race – and before Heartbreak Hill saps them of their will to live – along William St, Bayswater Rd, and into Double Bay. The field is generally still tightly packed at this point so grab a coffee and applaud the contenders as they cruise byu.
Where the runners need the most encouragement is at Heartbreak Hill – it’s called that for a reason. Find a spot along the brutal incline on New South Head Road and Old South Head Road and enjoy one of the most picturesque parts of the race while loudly cheering on those who need a lift.
If being a part of the celebrations is where you want to be, head down to Bondi Beach and watch the runners roll in before joining the after-party as participants refuel at one of the many places turning it on for the day.
And this year, for the first time since 2019, City2Surf will be broadcast live every step of the journey on YouTube and 9Now. From elite racing at the front of the field to the incredible stories that make City2Surf what it is, the broadcast will capture the atmosphere and share it beyond the streets of Sydney.
What roads are closed for the City2Surf?
Many major roads along and surrounding the 14km course from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach will be closed, with several like those around Hyde Park, taking effect from 3.30am.
From 6am on Sunday, August 9, roads will close between the city and Edgecliff and around the finish at Bondi Beach. Closures will progressively expand throughout the morning. Don’t expect roads to reopen in the city much before 11.30am, 12pm in Edgecliff, 1pm in Rose Bay, 2pm in Vaucluse/Dover Heights and 4pm at Bondi Beach/Bondi Junction.
Visit livetraffic.com for a detailed listing.
