Brittany Davenport longed to run the Sutherland to Surf.
“It was on her bucket list,” said Louisa MacKenzie, Milly Waters and Carly Julian after completing the event in her honour.
Brittany, a member of Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club and student at Woolooware High School, was afflicted almost from birth with cystic fibrosis.
She died at 18 just before the Sutherland to Surf in 2012 and each year since then her friends have run in shirts adorned with Brittany’s beautiful smiling face.
It was one of many standout sights as more than 5000 people joined in the Wanda Surf Life Saving Club event in which community was undoubtedly the overall winner.
There were families of three generations running together, parents pushing prams and strollers, people with various degrees of disability and, inconspicuous among the throng, the state’s attorney-general Mark Speakman.
Hundreds of volunteers maintained road blocks, handed out drinks providing first aid if needed and helped in other ways.
Adding to the colour and atmosphere as the runners and walkers approached the finishing line was the St George-Sutherland Scottish Pipe Band.
The number of young participants was noticeable, particularly at a time when childhood obesity is in the news.
More than 25 pupils from a running club at Cronulla South Public School were involved.
A parent, Aaron McKinnon, whose daughter Cyan, nine, was among participants, said the group was an initiative of “a couple of highly energetic young teachers” and the P&C.
“The numbers are increasing all the time,” he said.
Matt Gabbott, of Cronulla, said he had run in the event about 10 times, but this year was a first for nine-year-old his daughter Paisley.
“It was fun,” said Paisley. “I ran almost the whole way”.
Many children needed a helping hand to finish.
“I can’t feel my legs,” joked Ivana Skacelova, of Caringbah South, who piggybacked daughter Sophia over the finish line.
Fitness groups were out in force.
Menai F45 instructor Joel said they ran a few extra run club classes leading up to Sutherland to Surf, catering for all levels.
Alana Hooker, a member of the group, who ran for the first time, said it was “fun and very motivating’.
Michelle Halbouni, of Sylvania, had a walking buddy in her two-year-old German Shepherd, Thor.
“This was his first time,” she said. “He filled up at the drink stations”.
The event attracted many visitors to the shire, with a group from Camden summing up the comments of others: “It’s a good run and a nice location at the finish, where you can go and have a cup of coffee”.
It wasn’t a day for political speak, but one comment at the presentation of medals struck a chord.
Looking out over the park and beach and the many happy groups, federal MP Craig Kelly said, “If you live in Sutherland Shire today, you would feel you have won the lottery of life”.
He wasn’t wrong.