The route was from Hyde Park in the city, along main roads and up "Heartbreak Hill", to Bondi Beach, both well-known iconic landmarks in the city of Sydney. For the more serious runners, the important aim was to better their previous running times. For others, it was a day's fun in the sun, starting at 8.30am and lasting into the early afternoon, an opportunity to raise interest and support.
Amongst the 500 registered charities taking part was the Bible Society, represented by 150 staff and supporters. Under the title of "The Big Rescue", they boldly witnessed to others with "Jesus. All about life" emblazoned on the front of their bright red T-shirts. On their backs they shared with others why they were there.
They were raising funds in support of New South Wales scripture teachers and chaplains in public schools who have requested 70,000 Bibles for their scripture classes. The wording under the "Jesus. All about life" logo, read: "Supporting scripture in schools."
Rick George of the Bible Society's Youth and Children's Ministry, came dressed as a "chicken", complete with the "Jesus. All about life" logo. Rick covered the 14km marathon in 2 hours, 41 minutes and 46 seconds – each participant wore tags on their shoes which recorded electronically their finishing time.
The male race winner Ben St Lawrence, ran it in 41.05 minutes, but then he didn't have to wear a chicken outfit!
The female winner was Lara Tamsett, who covered the course in 46.54 minutes, a little faster than Roxanne Young of the Bible Society who finished in 3 hours, 33 minutes and 11 seconds.
As well as making record entrant numbers, the 2010 City2Surf was the means of raising $2,737,209 for the charities.
Others taking part was the "Jogging4 Jesus" team from the Bible League. Led by Amanda Abboud, "Manda" was joined by "Rhys", "Rob" and "Kirst", all from Minchinbury Anglican Church. At the last count, they raised $935 to "Make it possible for others to (know) Christ."
The Wesley Mission team of 45 runners, co-ordinated by Rosemary Cottrell, Executive Officer, Community Partnerships, raised $11,000 for Wesley Disability Enterprises, some donations even coming from members of the general public. Ordinary people not associated with Wesley Mission but sympathetic to its vital ministries.
ANGLICARE's team represented their "Care 2 Run 2010 – Caring for Carers" project. They aimed to raise awareness of Carers, specifically disability Carers, in the community who are often forgotten."
Many other Christian organisations also took part, each with their own keen volunteers and projects. Amongst the list of charities were such names as African Enterprise, Baptist World Aid Australia, Church Army Australia, CNEC Partners International, Compassion Australia, Coptic Orphans Australia, Fusion To Uluru 2010, Hammondcare, Hopestreet Urban Compassion, Mission Australia, Uniting Church Frontier Services and many others.
Next year, the City2Surf will be held on Sunday, August 14.