Half marathons, marathons & fun runs - Sydney Running Festival

Do you love running? For all Runners out there, there’s plenty coming up on the Sydney running calendar this year. Next up on the schedule is the Sydney Running Festival.

Held on 22nd September 2013, the Sydney Running Festival has 4 events of different lengths, making a race suitable for all abilities and fitness levels with a Marathon, Half Marathon, Bridge Run and Family Fun Run. Entries are now open so there’s still time to join the race.

The festival attracts a wide variety of fitness levels from elite athletes to people looking for a social running event with friends.

The Sydney Running Festival is a remaining legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, with the first Sydney Marathon being held at the Games. The running festival started in 2001 after the NSW Government approved it to promote health, fitness, tourism and Sydney as an international destination for athletics.

Since the first event, the festival has raised over $10 million for charity. Runners can sign up for a charity position this year, where they can run for free, if they pledge to raise a certain amount of funds. Official charities include RedKite and the Starlight Foundation, the charities chosen by the Real Insurance team of runners for the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10K in July.

The Sydney Marathon is 42.95kms in length and is one of the world’s most scenic courses, taking in great views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Starting from Milson’s Point, the course will run over the bridge, past Circular Quay, through the Domain Park and Botanic Gardens. The marathon will feature pace setters from Sydney Striders running along as well to help people achieve their personal best time. Pace Makers will be running at times of 3hrs, 3hrs 15mins, 3hrs 30mins, 3hrs 45min, 4hrs, 4hr 15min & 4hrs 30mins.

The Half Marathon will follow half of the scenic course of the Marathon, with an approx. total distance of 21.0975km. There will also be Pace Makers for the Half Marathon running at times of 80mins, 90mins, 100mins, 110mins & 120mins.

If you are not quite ready for the Half Marathon and are after a shorter, more achievable distance, the Bridge Run is approximately 9km, taking in some of the sights of the Bridge, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and finishing up at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Perfect for beginner runners who might be training for the full marathon next year!

For a fun family day out and a short distance, try the Family Fun Run. With a length of 3.5km, this race is ideal for all ages and is a great day out with the family to take in the sights of Sydney Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

To sign up for the race visit the Sydney Running Festival site where you can enter yourself, team or family and find information about volunteering and pledge to fundraise for one of many official charities.