TWO runners from the Scone district were among those in what was thought to be the largest school team in this year’s gruelling 14km City to Surf in Sydney on Sunday.
Bayley Fellowes and Harry Forsythe were part of the 124-member team from The Armidale School to hit the road in what is now the biggest fun run of its type in the world.
It was the third time around for Fellowes, who was the third runner home for TAS, crossing the line in 1:09.47, around two minutes faster than last year.
“It felt like it didn’t take anywhere near as long,” he said.
“Although, I ran with a friend most of the way this time rather than running from one group of friends to another like last year.
“And, I think that helped me go a bit faster as well because I had a more even pace.”
Despite suffering a shoulder injury from rugby the week before, Forsythe had a great run, finishing his first City to Surf in 1:11.21.
“I had no expectations about my time so was pretty pleased with that,” he said.
“It was a lot of fun – there was plenty of music along the way, the longest part was getting to Heartbreak Hill (a steep 2km rise about halfway through the event).
“I’d certainly be keen to do it again.”
More than 80,000 people entered this year’s race, which went from Hyde Park to Bondi.
The event is part of a school award called the TAS Triple Crown, for those students who complete it, the 2km Coffs Harbour Ocean Swim and the 111km overnight Hawkesbury Canoe Classic during their time at the school.
It was also part of charity fundraising by the TAS student body who have raised almost $5000 this year as part of a goal to purchase two beds for the palliative care unit at Armidale Hospital.
