The City2Surf is an iconic 14-kilometer foot race from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach. This year, it was its 55th anniversary, which saw an amazing 90,000+ people come out to celebrate! This year’s event featured some of the best athletic performances we’ve ever seen. It affected personal stories that brought attention to the issue of inherited cancers.
Isaac Heyne was the overall winner in the men’s race, finishing in 40 minutes and 33 seconds. His last performance set a new personal record from his performance this past year when he took first place. In the women’s category, Bronte Oates was the first female to cross the winners’ tape, finishing with a time of 45 minutes and 51 seconds. Each athlete relayed what an exhilarating day it was and how proud they were of their fight and performance.
Personal Stories of Courage and Awareness
Among those participants was Robyn Smith, who ran bare-chested to raise awareness about inherited cancers. Smith, a six-year survivor of a risk-reducing mastectomy. Encouraged by Louise Butcher, a UK activist known for long-distance runs that openly show her mastectomy scars, Smith was inspired to run.
Robyn Smith emphasized the importance of her participation, saying, “This is huge. It’s something very personal but it’s something I got the opportunity to do.” She added, “Our family understands the inherited cancer risk, so it’s a really good thing to do to get awareness out there.”
Smith carried messages on her chest to further her cause, stating, “The messages are the words on the chest, and the actual chest [itself].” She stressed the need for education about inherited cancer risks. The general public must be informed about prevention approaches and help that is available for people at risk.
“I’m trying to raise awareness with me as a doctor and cancer patient, trying to push the field forward by increasing people’s knowledge,” – Professor Richard Scolyer
Notable Achievements and Community Spirit
City2Surf was also joined by world-renowned pathologist and former Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer and his wife Katie. Completing the race in 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 7 seconds, Scolyer was enthusiastic about the experience and opportunity. “I’m very excited to be here with 90,000 people doing the City2Surf. There’s nothing better,” he said.
Scolyer’s commitment to his craft and community through his profession and legislative service was clearly displayed as he told his story and what inspired him to run. He underscored the importance of bringing attention to cancer while simultaneously soaking up a lively community energy. The event featured closures on nearly every overworked roadway in the city just to accommodate the massive influx of runners. This immediately underscored the enormity of this year’s celebration.
Even as things went awry during the race, Scolyer was keeping a positive outlook. He humorously recounted how he had to catch up after being overtaken by a back ambulance that followed slower participants: “The back ambulance that follows the people went past us, so we had to run to catch up.”
A Celebration of Health and Fitness
Isaac Heyne reconsidered his race after finishing with a smile on his face and satisfaction with his stellar performance. “I’m feeling pretty happy, not bad for someone from out of town,” he stated. He acknowledged that City2Surf is a challenging event: “This is such a hard event. It’s a real test of fitness, so to race well again and run a little bit quicker than last year — I’m really proud.”
Bronte Oates, on a post-win high after taking her category “I’m really excited to take the win. I’m still on a high. I’m really happy,” she said. The buzz of creativity, hope, and positive energy among participants was awesome to behold as each celebrated their accomplishments and cultivated a firestorm of community spirit.