It’s time to enter the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival and participate in Australia’s most spectacular running event. This is your once a year chance to run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge traffic-free. Take in the beautiful Sydney Harbour, Royal Botanic Gardens, The Rocks, Centennial Parklands and CBD en-route to the world famous finish line at the Sydney Opera House in one of four fantastic events.
You don’t need a high level of fitness to take part, with the Sunday Telegraph Family Run measuring only 4km this is the perfect family event. For those feeling a little more energetic, the Sunday Telegraph body+soul Bridge Run at approximately 9km is a great choice. For the more serious runner, there is the Blackmores Half Marathon which was given a facelift last year removing several hilly sections making it even more enjoyable.
However, our focus this year is to encourage people to step up and test themselves in undoubtedly Australia’s most spectacular marathon course - the Blackmores Sydney Marathon. This course also received a revamp last year with hills removed and more distance added in the beautiful Centennial Parklands. This event is growing year on year and is fast being recognised as the most enjoyable course to run not only in Australia, but around the world.
In 2011 we have implemented a few changes to help you on your way including the provision of a brand new FREE online training program called Marathon Guru available to all Marathon and Half Marathon participants. Marathon Guru has been developed by Olympian Lee Troop using cutting edge technology that adapts and adjusts your weekly training program according to how you completed your previous session. It is just like having your own Olympic coach who listens to your individual needs and tailors your training to help you achieve your goal.
Those training for the Sunday Telegraph body+soul Bridge Run or Sunday Telegraph Family Run can access free training programs and advice via the Blackmores Training site.
This year we will be staging spectator & entertainment zones to help motivate you when the going gets tough on event day. Encourage your non participating family and friends to get involved by coming down and cheering you on at these vantage points (locations to be advised).
In 2010 the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival raised over $2,300,000 for a number of charitable organisations. The event is owned by Athletics Australia (AA), a not-for-profit organisation, which means all profit from the event is invested back into the community right around Australia through AA’s various programs. If you are thinking of running this year why not run for your favourite charity and help reach our target of $2,500,000?
For those of you who have yet to take part, now is the time to enter the Blackmores Sydney Marathon. If you've already conquered it, why not relive it? To secure your place in this years event, enter early as last year the three shorter events sold out in record time. If you enter early you will also be eligible to receive a FREE early bird singlet from Blackmores while stocks last (postage not included).
We look forward to seeing you in September.
Wayne Larden, Blackmore Sydney Running Festival Event Director
