Dig out your sneakers and sign up for this fundraising event
The 15th annual Sun Run on Saturday, 1 February, is an inclusive, fun event for people of all abilities and fitness levels, whether you’re aiming to beat your personal best or want to enjoy the magnificent coastal views along the run from Dee Why to Manly Beach.
Organised by the Northern Beaches Council and presented by Bioglan, the run offers a seven and ten-kilometre course, both starting at The Strand in Dee Why and finishing on South Steyne in Manly and taking in some pretty spectacular views along the way.
Organisers of the Sun Run hope to raise more than $100,000 for numerous charities.
Whatever your reason for joining, whether it’s to do your best time or to help fundraise, there is a start group for you. There are groups for serious runners and groups for those looking to go at their own pace. Staggered start times ensure it doesn’t get too crowded, making it safer for everyone.
The start line opens at 6am, the 10-kilometre race begins at 6.30am, and the seven-kilometre event kicks off at 7.15am.
Fairlight’s Susan Robertson, 58, has enjoyed the Sun Run since its inception and has run with her friend, Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall, for the last few years.
“I wasn’t a serious runner when it started; I just did a little bit of shuffling around,” Susan laughs. “I wanted to support a local event as opposed to the City to Surf, which I’d done once and hated. It was just so crowded.”
Susan says having a seven kilometre course makes it accessible for people of all fitness levels – runners, walkers and people with prams.
“Seeing people giving it a go is way more inspiring than seeing runners at the front who will knock it over in 35 minutes,” says Susan. “And the courses are stunning; it’s such a beautiful run at such a beautiful time of year.”
As a long-term participant in Sun Run, Susan has some helpful advice for first-time entrants.
“You don’t have to carry water as there are plenty of water stations, and you don’t have to take water from the first table, as it can get crowded – there’s a row of tables,” Susan explains. “Wear a hat or visor and take sunscreen. Don’t feel pressure to run the hills, especially the first one – it’s not too long, but it’s pretty steep!”
All participants receive a finisher’s medal, and downloadable finisher’s photos, and prizes are awarded to males and females who finish first, second and third in both races.
You can receive your results by SMS after crossing the finish line with an SMS by adding an ‘SMS my result’ option at registration.
Susan runs with her friend Zali every year
15 years of Sun Run
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. Tickets are selling fast, so sprint to your computer now to sign up!
What does Susan do after the run?
“I just jump in the ocean for some ocean therapy,” she laughs.
MANLY SUN RUN
Saturday 1 February
Dee Why to Manly course Cost: $50+, free for under-fives sunrun.com.au
