City2Surf puts safety first
Sunday’s City2Surf will have increased safety measures in place in a coordinated effort by Waverley Council and local police force in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon.
Council and the Waverley Police Force have focused on traffic and crowd control on this Sydney’s annual distance event running 14 kilometres from Hyde Park to Bondi.
“It’s an iconic event – the main issue is crowd control, getting the event organised and to get the traffic flowing again after the event as safely as possible,” said Inspector Bosch from Waverley Police.
In response to the recent Boston bombings, extra protocol will be taken to reduce the risk of any potential incidents. The 2013 Boston Marathon in April was heavily disrupted by two bomb explosions near the finishing line, killing three and injuring 264.
“Police will have strategies in place, to look at the aspect of terrorist-related issues,” said Inspector Bosch. “Because of the Boston Marathon, police have definitely stepped up their procedures to reduce the risk of that happening.”
The event will encourage participants to ensure they compete at levels compatible to their health and stamina. The elderly, sick or children are encouraged to participate in the ‘fun run’ category.
Fun runners at the rear of the field are famous for flaunting colour, community spirit and dressed-up costumes. The course travels through Kings Cross, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Dover Heights, and includes a tough trek up the notorious ‘heartbreak hill’ in Rose Bay.
“A lot of the participants will mention that ‘heartbreak hill’ really hits them,” said Bondi resident Jack Gillmore.
“This part of the course is often a struggle for many people. They find that after they pass the hill they struggle for the remainder of the race [as] their bodies have been tested.”
80,000 participants are expected to run the event now in its 43rd year, deemed in 2009 to be the world’s largest race and Sydney’s most popular event. The run will sponsor over 700 charities and a large number of public sponsors.
“I’ve always loved the race not only for the fundraising purposes, but because of the sheer number of people who participate,” said Bondi resident and regular participant, Matt Stern.
“It’s a great display of Sydney’s rising fitness mindset and good health mentality. Also everyone runs a much better time with the excitement of 80,000 people running around you.”
A wide range of participants of all ages will be joining in the excitement from school groups to professional athletes and with celebrities to be making an appearance.
For Bondi locals the event marks a day to celebrate community achievement, health and fitness, and a change in season.
“Once the city to surf comes its heading more into spring and summer again,” said instructor at Let’s Go Surfing Bondi, Brenda Miley. “There’s always events happening here and there in the streets and everyone’s always in a good mood after the City 2 Surf.”
The event’s finish line is at Bondi beach, where bus routes and schedules have been modified and road closures are expected between 7am and 4pm. Celebrations will take place in Bondi afterwards.
By Madelaine Wong
