The City2Surf is 14km from the city to Bondi Beach. About 90,000 people take part, and you can run, jog, walk or stroll it. For a lot of people it’s a bucket-list day.
This August, one of my clients, Ange, ran it for the first time.
Ange’s First City2Surf
Ange has been training with me for over five years. She wasn’t a runner. Her friend Sarah got her into it, because I used to run with Sarah consistently.
Running together turned out to be a great way for the two of them to spend time with each other while exercising. They both have busy lives with family and children, so that time matters.
In August 2026 she ran her first City2Surf. Here’s what she told me afterwards: she didn’t stop. She got up Heartbreak Hill without stopping, and she did better than she expected. Her quads were sore on the way down the hill into Bondi, but overall she was so proud of herself.
The Hardest Part Was Timing
The hardest part of her build-up was just timing. She had to get up earlier and fit in weekend runs, and that nudged into her family life, her social life and her work. Anyone with a busy week will know that feeling.
What We Did in the Studio
In the studio, we built her strength, with high-intensity interval training in the middle of her sessions.
The Better Health Channel also recommends simple weekly strengthening for your calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes to help prevent running injuries.
What a First Fun Run Takes
I’m not a running coach, so I’ll stick to what I saw, plus what the health authorities say.
Build up slowly. The Better Health Channel says to build how long and how often you run over several months, and to start at a pace where you can talk without getting breathless. They suggest keeping that easy pace for 8 to 12 weeks to build your aerobic fitness.
Walking counts. If you need to, it’s fine to alternate between walking and jogging for 20 to 30 minutes rather than stopping. The City2Surf itself welcomes walkers.
Get the basics right. Overtraining, the wrong shoes and the wrong clothing are common causes of running injuries. The wrong clothes can also mean overheating and sunburn in the Sydney sun.
My Advice
Start small. Believe in yourself. Follow the process.
And enjoy the momentum of the crowd on the day. It’s an amazing feeling being part of something bigger.
Ready to Start?
If you’re brand new to training, read my post on how to walk into a gym with confidence. If it’s been a while, see my realistic restart plan.
When you’re ready, connect with me today and let’s get you started at Maroubra Junction.
Sources
- NSW Government, Voltaren City2Surf event information.
- Better Health Channel, Running and jogging: preventing injury.