Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Event Date
Distances
14 km
Entry Status
TBC
Official Website
Countdown
Race date will be published once confirmed
Overview
The event.
City2Surf is a Sydney institution. Since 1971 it has drawn tens of thousands of runners from Hyde Park in the CBD to the golden sand of Bondi Beach. The 14km route is famous for Heartbreak Hill, a two-kilometre grind from Rose Bay to Vaucluse that separates the ambitious from the sensible. The event welcomes everyone from elite runners chasing sub-40 minute finishes to costumed fun runners walking with friends. It's less a race and more a movable street party.
Costumes, sound systems on balconies, cheer bands, and the sea unfolding as you crest the final hill. Bondi at the finish is packed with families, food trucks and post-race celebration.
Who it suitsRunners of every level, first timers, families, seasoned racers, and international visitors wanting a quintessential Sydney experience.
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Course profile
- Undulating with one significant climb. Around 190m of total elevation gain, mostly in the middle third.
- Surface
- Sealed road, closed to traffic.
- Aid stations
- Every 3km — water only.
Training Preparation
How long should you train?
A realistic runway to prepare well for City2Surf, based on where you're starting from.
Every athlete is different. These timelines are intended as a guide only and depend on your current fitness, previous experience, lifestyle and goals.
Philippe's Coaching Perspective
What I'd focus on.
City2Surf rewards patience. The runners who go out at goal pace from kilometre one almost always pay for it in the final third. Start conservative, build into it, and race the second half.
The most under-trained element I see is long-run pacing discipline. Long runs shouldn't be a weekly time-trial. They're where you teach your body to burn fuel efficiently and stay smooth when tired.
In the final six to eight weeks, race-specific work matters more than volume. If you're arriving under-recovered, you're arriving under-prepared.
— Philippe, Col de Sud
Is This Event Right For You?
An honest look.
This event is ideal if you
- ✓You enjoy the challenge of a well-organised running event
- ✓You're prepared to train consistently for several months
- ✓You enjoy New South Wales-style terrain and conditions
- ✓You're looking for a meaningful, memorable challenge rather than a casual outing
You may prefer another event if
- •Your goals are focused on a different distance or discipline
- •You're looking for a shorter, lower-commitment first event
- •You haven't yet built the aerobic base this event demands
Col de Sud Assessment
A quick impression.
- Overall Difficulty
- Terrain
- Technical Skill
- Beginner Friendly
- Scenic Experience
General Col de Sud assessment. Not an official event rating.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
How long is City2Surf?+
14 kilometres from Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach.
How steep is Heartbreak Hill?+
Around 2km at an average 4% gradient, from roughly the 6km to 8km mark of the course.
Is it beginner friendly?+
Yes — most participants walk, jog or run at their own pace. A friendly, achievable first goal race.
When is the race?+
The second Sunday of August each year.
Do I need to qualify?+
No — general entries are open to everyone, with seeded start groups for faster runners.
Col de Sud Coaching
Your journey starts here.
Every athlete starts somewhere.
Whether you're preparing for your first event, chasing a personal best or simply wondering if this challenge is right for you, the most important question isn't "Can I do it?"
It's "How much time should I give myself to do it well?"
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal preparation depends on your experience, fitness, lifestyle and goals.
If you'd like help creating a realistic training plan for this event, I'd be happy to talk it through with you.
Continue Reading
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