I love the City to Surf. I know many people dread the idea of walking 14km with 64,000 other people through the streets of Sydney. But it's great exercise and one of the quintessential days out in Sydney. Transport into the city is packed with people in work-out gear, faces shiny with sun-screen and excitement about the day. People run in different groups - there is a group at the front who take it very seriously and who finish before the back of the pack event starts. The trees are littered with sweaters which people have thrown off as the sun thaws them. Everyone yells and whoops as they walk through the tunnel. Corporate Groups, social groups and local sporting clubs all get together to raise money. There's a huge range of charities - from Tumour Terminators to Canteen - every one (and their little dog too) takes to the streets. It's a lovely view of Sydney that reminds me of the community goodwill of being in the anti-war march in London in 2003. It's great to see the police and ambulance officers chilling out and enjoying the day too - every year the event runs smoothly. Exhausting - but the walk always ends with a tasty lunch as we watch the rest of the walkers arriving.
