THEY ran, walked, some pushed wheechairs, mothers pushed along toddlers in prams, many pushed themselves to the limits — some were even dressed in super-hero costumes.
But they all were there for one thing on Sunday: to compete and have fun in the 43rd annual Brooks Caltex Sutherland2Surf Fun Run and Walk.
There were almost 8000 entrants, of all ages, boys, girls, men and women, supporting one of biggest and best community events in NSW.
The event grows in popularity each year.
For the record books, Russell Dessaix-Chin, of North Wollongong, won the men’s event and Belinda Martin of Sylvania won the women’s event.
It was cold, windy, bleak and drizzling, then the sun shone for a while but the entrants kept their the pulses racing and were not deterred.
‘‘It was a good temperature for the runners,’’ Russell Dessaix-Chin said. He zipped over the course in 34 minutes and 16 seconds.
Martin, who has now won the race several times, cruised over the journey in 38 minutes, 0.05 seconds.
‘‘It was only a late decision to run today,’’ she said.
‘‘I hurt my hamstring the previous weekend and it was only when I got up that I decided to run.’’
But the community charities which benefit from the Sutherland2Surf Fun Run and Walk are the real winners.
Race co-ordinator Mick Brannock said that over the past three years, more than $1 million had been raised for Wanda Surf Life Saving Club and various charities.
Club secretary Carol Woods said having the new finish line at Don Lucas Reserve was a huge success, providing plenty of space for the competitors to spill across the line, and the live music, entertainment and plenty of barbecues and food outlets providing a great carnival atmosphere.
‘‘This is a massive team effort from the volunteers at Wanda SLSC co-ordinated by Mick Brannock and Anne Caterson,’’ Ms Woods said.
‘‘It’s nine months of hard work and preparation by everyone involved.’’
She said everyone became involved — from the club’s youngest Nippers to their senior members — to ensure the day went well.
See more in the Leader and results at Sutherland2Surf
Did you go in the run?