Race legends go the distance to hang out with 75,000 friends

PATRICIA WARDELL knows what it is like to be a spectator at The Sun-Herald City2Surf, presented by Westpac.

As support crew chief and No. 1 fan for her husband George - one of the City2Surf Legends who have been in all 39 races - Patricia has cheered on the runners every year since 1971.

Carrying a picnic lunch and a change of clothes for George and often escorting several children, Mrs Wardell, of Stanmore, has experienced the fun run from a different perspective.

She remembers that the small number of competitors in the first few City2Surfs meant the 14-kilometre course was not closed to traffic.

"I think the police stopped the traffic as the runners reached certain points," she said. "And for the first few years I could watch the start of the City2Surf and then catch the bus to Bondi Beach to watch the first runner finish."

Mrs Wardell's most memorable City2Surf was George's remarkable effort in 2005, when he competed despite undergoing chemotherapy.

The City2Surf is now the world's biggest run, with more than 75,000 participants tipped for August 8.

The 2010 Sun-Herald City2Surf is proudly presented by Westpac and supported by New Balance, Rebel Sport, Gatorade, Jockey, Berlei, RSVP, Nova 969, One HD, 2UE, Fitness First, Sheraton on the Park Sydney, NSW government, Events NSW, City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra councils.

George Benger, 81

Retired bus driver from Blackheath

City2Surf is about having pride inmy body, pride in how I live and its companionship with mates.

Barry Clunas, 69

Retired toolmaker from Panania

It is a tradition for myself and my family.We all join up for this event  it is a great day for everyone!

Trevor Hamilton, 62

Retired teacher from Springwood

Its always given me the added incentive to continue training in the cold winter months.

John Hannon, 78

Retired government officer from OatleyWest City2Surf is about camaraderie and being part of a very special community event.

GeoffKennett, 65

Retiree from Crescent Head

Its as iconic as the Sydney to Hobart, Melbourne Cup, Bathurst car race and Vegemite.

John Langley, 67

Retired accountant from Port Stephens At 42, I got down to 51 mins 20.Now I am trying to break two hours. Its hard to beat Old Father Time.

Lindsay McEachern, 78

Retired fromTurramurra I enjoy very good health that I attribute to the exercise from running the City2Surf. I hope to be able to go until the 50th.

James McFall, 71

Retired fromBotany

Its a great chance to hang out with 75,000 friends. Its great to see everyone doing 14 kilometres any way they can.

Derek Nelson, 76

Retiree fromBronte In 1971, running shoes hadnt been invented we ran in sandshoes. Nowafter many personal worsts it shows my decline!

Paul Nolan, 53

Clerk fromRoseville

Its friendship, fun and fitness combined into one, and a great way to keep fit for the other sports I play: golf, cricket and soccer.

Paul Summerhayes, 55

Theatre usher from Erskineville

There is a saying the loneliness of a long-distance runner, but not on City2Surf day.

Ted Thompson, 69

Retired firefighter from Warriewood Its a great part ofmy life  Ive never had a holiday in July or August for 40 years.

Laurie Coleman, 65

Retired public servant from Mosman

The race ultimately changed my life completely to focus on good health and fitness.

Ken Constantine, 63

Australian Customs officer from Malabar

The feeling of exhilaration finishing and competing in 1971 is the same 40 years later  timeless.

Paul Daley, 65

Barristers clerk from Riverview

It is the best organised race in theworld. It is also a fantastic community event.

Neville Dickson, 69

Retired engineer from Baulkham Hills

It is not as enjoyable as it was  too many participants. Its difficult to get through the crowds.

Brendan Dumas, 55

Civil engineer from Green Point

This year I am running for my mother-in-law, awar veteran, who recently passed away.

Christopher Edwards, 50

Leadership development coach from Canberra

When I was a teenager, I decided Id run 50 consecutive City2Surfs in under 100 minutes.

Alan Farrell, 66

Retiree from Runaway Bay

It has addicted me to a lifetime of running and has been responsible for me working in fitness.

Wayne Heffernan, 61

Runner and touring bike rider from Engadine

It can be hard but the self-respect and lift it gives you is worthwhile. Everyone has a common purpose.

Kerry Heinecke, 68

Retired from Kensington

My wife, Helen, inspires me. She has always been at the last corner of the course for each and every year.

Michael Learmond, 68

Retired engineer from Waverton

Wind, rain, sunshine  I always make sure Imin Sydney in August  its like an annual health check.

Keith Mayhew, 66

Retired sales manager from Warragamba

It is a hard annual Sydney 14-kilometre iconic fun run which still gives me a competitive buzz.

Rodney Melham, 51

Skier from Berridale

I look forward to participating and seeing all the people who play music, help out with water and oranges.

Chris Moynham, 67

Retired teacher from Greenacre

Its an incentive to exercise and bond with my daughter, who has run the last 20.

Allen (Jim) North, 82

Chartered accountant from Maroubra Junction

It makes me fit enough to chase and catch a pretty girl and make itworthwhile when Ive got her.

James Parker, 68

Managing director from Woonona

Its all about personal achievement and motivation to keep healthy and fit.

James Roberts, 65

Accountant from Lane Cove

I love seeing so many people exercising and enjoying it, no matter how good they are at running.

Charles Rochester, 78

Retiree from Manly

Its a great family day and wonderful to see so many generations running together.

Bruce Shying, 73

Retiree from Heathcote

Its a challenge each year to be fit enough to still compete. I love the crowd, and the smell of the liniment vapour.

Robert Stuart, 67

Retiree from Little Bay

I could write a book. It has involvedmy entire family and Im proud to say three generations have participated to date.

Robert James Sully, 72

Chartered accountant from Wahroonga

It is a demanding run: the distance and Heartbreak Hill pose a significant test. It is a time of camaraderie.

John Tisdale, 60

Storeman from Crows Nest

It is such a thrill to be able to run with somany famous athletes where everyone has a chance to win.

Eduard Uitterlinden, 59

Teacher from Farmborough Heights

Its meeting up with the regulars, the adrenalin, and whether the old legs can still do it.

George Wardell, 72

Retired fitter and turner from Stanmore

My son comes from Canberra each year and we have a picnic or a barbecue after the race.

John Willcocks, 60

Charity employee from St Marys

In 2010, someone for the first time will start their incredible journey just as I did all those years ago.

Barrie Williams, 76

Retiree fromEpping

Its truly a fun run with the cheers, encouragement from onlookers and the gear some of those back of the pack get out in!

Philip Worrall, 58

Solicitor from Cremorne

Its not only a worthwhile community event in which I can participate fully but an annual motivation and gauge of my fitness.

The 2010 Sun-Herald City2Surf is proudly presented byWestpac and supported byNew Balance,Rebel Sport, Gatorade, Jockey, Berlei, RSVP,Nova 969, OneHD, 2UE, Fitness First, Sheraton on the Park Sydney, NSWgovernment, Events NSW, City of Sydney,Waverley andWoollahra councils.