85,000 runners, joggers, walkers and super heroes gathered at Sydney’s Hyde Park from 8am on Sunday 11 August, ready for one of the world’s largest community running events: the famous City2Surf.
Our ACRF team was thrilled to be there, taking on the 14km course together with some amazing runners who had grabbed the opportunity to support cancer research throughout their City2Surf campaigns.
For many of our runners, this day was more about their reasons for participating, rather than trying to beat a time. They ran in support of loved ones, and Heartbreak Hill would be no match for their determination, passion and generosity.
Among the cancer fundraisers we had the privilege of meeting, were the Ann’s Angels, a team from Canberra raising funds and tackling the cancer fun run event in memory of group leader, David Griffiths’, mother.
This year, David Griffith and the Ann’s Angels generously raised more than $14,900 for world-class cancer research.
David told us, “Every year it gets bigger and better and this year is no different with another 70+ Angels making the trip up to Sydney. Over 40 of them were first timers!”
“The first year that the Angels were out in force, there was a contingent of 36 angels. Mum was there and she remembered it til the day she passed. She was so humbled and didn’t realise how many good people there were out there to support her until that day.”
Another inspirational team – Mark, Pat and their son Matt Doyle – were running for the ACRF in support of Mark himself, who was recently diagnosed with cancer for a second time. Mark has been running in the City2Surf for over 30 years with this year being his 34th and despite his diagnosis, he covered the distance with as much stamina and determination as any other runner out there!
Prior to the race, Mark’s wife Pat had said, “[Mark] has been fighting cancer for the past 18 months but we will do the City2Surf together this year for his 34th even if we walk!”
Another group we were proud to meet were ACRF supporters Deanne, Mon, Kerry and Jeff– collectively called ShirlsGirls and Him (Jeff being ‘Him’). They walked the City2Surf in memory of their loved one Shirley who sadly passed away from cancer in July this year. Their fantastic fundraising efforts have generated over $9,000 for cancer research in Australia.
Without every single one of our incredible City2Surf supporters, we would not have been able to raise over $85,000 for cancer research, and counting!
We hope you had a memorable and most enjoyable day – we’re so grateful to have been a part of it with you all!!
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