City2Surf: How to fundraise on the world’s largest fun run
If you’re looking for a fun, active way to raise money for a cause close to your heart, then City2Surf could be the answer. Sydneysiders and fellow Aussies from around the country gather every year to take part in the world’s largest fun run, striding out along the 14 km trail from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the event, from the City2Surf registration process to how to fundraise for the big day.
Ready to dust off your running shoes and take to the streets of Sydney? Let’s find out how to get started.
What is the City2Surf fun run?
City2Surf began in 1971, although the first fundraising tally was only recorded in 2008. Since then, hundreds of thousands of participants have taken part in raising over $55 million for charities, demonstrating the city’s commitment to helping those in need.
The largest fun run in the world presents the perfect opportunity for people to come together and support their favourite charity, whether you’re a running fanatic or a novice.
Many participants choose to dress up for the event, styling their go-to fancy dress costumes or fave OTT fitness clothes, as they run, jog or walk their way to the finishing line in Bondi. Afterwards, everyone unites to enjoy food, drinks and music to celebrate their achievements beachside.
Attracting, on average, more than 80,000 entrants each year, this year’s City2Surf is set to be no different.
The City2Surf course
The total City2Surf distance is 14 km, with the route starting from Sydney’s CBD and finishing in Bondi. More specifically, the fun run starts in Hyde Park and ends at the world-renowned Bondi Beach, which is a spectacular setting for the conclusion of a run!
As one of the most iconic fun run courses in the world, the route incorporates some of the city’s iconic sites and best neighbourhoods. Participants start at the intersection of Park Street and College Street, before heading downhill on William Street and through the Kings Cross Tunnel.
You’ll then continue along New South Head Road, winding through Rose Bay and then up “Heartbreak Hill”. This marks the halfway point on the course.
Participants will then head onto Old South Head Road, Military Road and down the hill before completing a turnaround at Curlewis Street, taking in breathtaking ocean views. Finally, you’ll cross the finish line on Queen Elizabeth Drive at Bondi.
Once you’ve held your arms aloft and completed the course, all that’s left to do is to grab your medal and take a selfie before heading to the event village.
What time does City2Surf start?
This year, the event takes place on Sunday 11 August 2024, kicking off at approximately 7:40am. However, your specific start time will be determined by your chosen start group (wave), which will be provided closer to the event.
You’ll be asked to select the start wave that’s right for you, based on how long you think it will take you to complete the 14km course.
There are three qualifying waves (Elite, Preferred, Red) for really keen runners, with five other start waves to choose from (Green, Pink, Blue, Yellow, Orange) for the less competitive participants out there. Expected run times range from 1hr 10mins to 1hr 30mins for the Green Wave, to 2hrs 30mins+ for the Orange Wave.
All pushed wheelchairs, strollers and participants with service dogs are advised to enter the Orange Wave.
How to enter City2Surf
Entry prices are determined by the age of the participant and when you apply. For example, here are the pricing brackets for this year’s City2Surf event:
| Early Bird 27 Mar 2024 – 9 May 2024 | General10 May 2024 – 18 July 2024 | Late19 July 2024 – 10 August 2024 | |
| 14km Adult: 18yrs+ | $92 | $102 | $118 |
| 14km Child: 10-17yrs | $47 | $57 | $67 |
| 14km Child: 9 & Under | $27 | $37 | $47 |
For exact prices and cut-off times for applications, make sure you check for the year you’re running.
Anybody is eligible for the run, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult for the entire duration of the event.
To register your entry, simply follow these steps:
- Choose your start wave: Think about which start wave you want to join based on your running ability.
- Sign up and register: Sign up or sign in to your ACTIVE profile (City2Surf registration platform) and fill in your personal registration details.
- Select a charity: Declare the name of the charity you wish to fundraise or donate to.
- Purchase your entry pass: Pay for your entry pass and any other add-ons you want, such as race bib postage, race day photography and medal tags. Once you’ve done all of this, you’re in!
- Get training: Now comes the difficult part – time to get in shape and get those running shoes on!
Fundraising for the event
While you don’t have to fundraise for this event, giving back to charity is the beating heart of City2Surf. If you want to raise money for a cause that is special to you, then there are three ways you can get involved.
- Be a Charity Superstar: Fundraise the minimum amount for one of the event’s superstar charities and receive free entry and a special charity superstar medal.
- Fundraise: Choose a charity and raise money by asking for donations.
- Donate directly: Make a direct donation to the cause you’ve chosen.
If you do choose to go down the fundraising route, then GoFundMe is on hand to make the process as simple as possible. Remove the stress of starting a fundraiser by setting up a GoFundMe page and raising as much money as you can.
Here are some of the main benefits of starting a GoFundMe fundraising page:
- Easy to set up: Simply provide some basic information, set your fundraising goal and explain why you’re doing City2Surf.
- Simple to share: Share your fundraiser on your social media channels, with friends and family, and the wider community in just a few clicks.
- Safe and secure: GoFundMe has numerous safety and security measures to keep fundraisers and donors safe while online.
- Crowdfund for your chosen cause: No matter the worthy cause you’ve chosen to run City2Surf for, you can crowdfund for just about anything.
- All donations are welcome: Big or small, all donations count!
So, what are you waiting for?
Join other City2Surf fundraisers on GoFundMe
Don’t just take our word for it, plenty of Australians have used GoFundMe to fundraise for their City2Surf fun run. For added inspiration and motivation, check out some of the examples we’ve listed below. You’ll have those running shoes on in no time.
City2Surf and Sydney Marathon Fundraiser for Lou
Matt Kuchel set up a GoFundMe to help raise funds and awareness for his mum, Louise. His family was flipped upside down when Louise was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
In response, Matt, his partner and family members all took part in City2Surf to raise money for research and raise awareness around the form of lung cancer his mum had (Exon 20). In total, he raised a staggering $12,056 using GoFundMe.
WSU Physiotherapy City2Surf Fundraiser for SCIA
Physiotherapy students and teaching staff of Western Sydney University took part in City2Surf to raise awareness and money in aid of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA). In total, they raised $5,415 using GoFundMe, which went straight to supporting this cause.
Over 20,000 Australians live with a spinal cord injury, and SCIA provides practical support, based on lived experience, to help people and their families put their lives back together.
Fighting MND for Ana Sousa
Marilia Pereira ran City2Surf to raise awareness and funds in loving memory of Ana Sousa, who died from MND. $11,133.38 of the funds raised using GoFundMe went to Professor Dominic Rowe and his team at Macquarie University Hospital for research in finding a cure for MND.
Ana was a strong advocate and was truly appreciative of the work and support provided by Professor Rowe and his team. She wanted to find a cure so that nobody would have to suffer like she did.
Start your GoFundMe
Do you want to make a difference and raise money for a cause close to your heart? Then grab yourself a bib, wear something fun and get ready to take part in City2Surf for charity.
By choosing GoFundMe to create your fundraiser, you can make the set-up process as straightforward as possible, maximising your potential to raise as much money as you can.
On your marks, get set, go!