While I wouldn’t normally prioritise a run over a lazy lunch on a Friday afternoon, last week’s annual City Mile Dash in support of Cancer Council NSW was impossible to resist. As well as supporting a very worthwhile organisation, the 1,700 runners were the first to be given a sneaky peak at Barangaroo Reserve as the 1.6km route passed through the newly transformed area. And having the chance to compete with colleagues and fellow city workers didn’t hurt either!
With the crowds decked out in the event’s bright yellow jerseys or fabulous fancy dress, the starting point was a very festive gathering in the beautiful sunshine with celebrity ambassadors Lauren Brant posing for photos with fans and assisting Andrew Reid with his MC duties.
Craig van der Laan, CEO of Barangaroo Delivery Authority, and Jim L’Estrange, CEO at Cancer Council NSW, officially opened the race with Mr Jonathan O’Dea, MP for Davidson and representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation, who fired the start gun at 1pm for the elites category. Not quite fitting into that category *ahem*, we set off a little later and headed through the new six-hectare harbour foreshore park which will be officially opened to the public tomorrow, Saturday 22 August.
The path hugged the shoreline for the first half providing spectacular harbour views before we headed slightly inland on paths amid grassy verges to check out the new offices and even the new casino. With race attendees every couple of hundred yards cheering on participants, we were at the end before we knew it. If it was like this every week I might even persuade to go for a run more often (but probably not a on a Friday!).
As we crossed the finish line to cheers and the congratulations of presenters, we gratefully took the water and fruit offered; the unexpected warmth had made the run very thirsty work. Clutching our participants medals we then popped into the VIP marquee to grab a very welcome massage to ease out-of-condition limbs.
Unfortunately I can’t say I beat my PB as we were all too busy enjoying the views, taking photos and having fun. Luckily our sponsorship money didn’t depend on making a good time and we were privileged to have contributed to raising a fantastic total of over $60,000 for Cancer Council NSW’s research, prevention, advocacy and support services. Sydney law firm team Bartier Perry took out the top fundraising prize, raising nearly $17,000, with running guru Dave Robertson of Parkrun Australia spurring the team to the finish line.
Donations are still open with all funds raised supporting people affected by cancer. Donate at www.citymiledash.com.au
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