Ready, set, go! The Beaches iconic charity run is back
The annual Sun Run from Dee Why to Manly Beach is back for its 16th year on Saturday 31 January and aims to raise over $100,000 for charities around the country.
It’s one of the most scenic annual runs enjoyed by families and serious runners. Perfect for all fitness levels, the Sun Run has a seven- and a 10-kilometre distance to choose from.
“It’s more than just a race – it’s a celebration of community, fitness and the stunning natural beauty of our coastline,” Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins says. “We’re proud to deliver such an inclusive and uplifting event that brings people together and showcases the best of the Northern Beaches.”
The 10-kilometre race starts at 6.30am, followed by the seven- kilometre race at 7.30am. Staggered start times for both serious and casual runners ensure it doesn’t get too crowded, making it safer for everyone.
Ultra Runner Joe Ward, 46, is a self-confessed running nerd living in Manly who has represented Australia three times, most recently at the 24-Hour World Championships in France in October. He ‘runs’ Manly Beach Running Club and is training ten of his runners for the upcoming Sun Run.
Joe says the Sun Run is a fantastic way to challenge yourself as it has a few hills, including a ‘short and sharp’ hill in Dee Why.
He recommends breaking the 10-kilometre race into five-, three-, and two-kilometre sections.
Manly Beach Running Club members Keira, Roz, Flora and Tri love the Sun Run
“Treat the first five kilometres as a warm-up, running at a relaxed pace,” advises Joe. “You can go a little faster for the next three kilometres and start to sort of enjoy yourself a bit, get into the race. You can really let go for the last two kilometres and put the pedal to the metal and go a bit faster.”
The Sun Run can be quite competitive too, Joe says, with some fast athletes taking part, and some good competition at the front of the pack. He says because the Sun Run is an annual event, it’s a terrific way to test your fitness by comparing each yearly run.
All runners receive a finisher’s medal, and downloadable finisher’s photo, and prizes are awarded to males and females who finish first, second and third in the 10-kilometre event.
You can receive your results by SMS after crossing the finish line by adding an ‘SMS my result’ option at registration.
Participants are advised to carry personal items on them (no baggage service), and public toilets are located along the course. No pets, bicycles, scooters, hand cycles, skateboards or rollerblades are permitted in any group, although assistance animals are allowed.
Registrations close at 3pm on 31 January unless sold out prior, and there are no registrations on the event day. Water stations will be dotted along the run route and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
Joe says Manly Beach is a perfect place to end the race with ‘fantastic coffee’ available too. “It’s a truly special place to live and run,” he says.
Tickets are selling fast, so sprint to your computer now to sign up!
Manly Sun Run
31 January
The Strand, Dee Why Beach
Adults (16+) $50, child (5 to 15)
$40, under 5’s free
sunrun.com.au