The Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10&5k Winners Have Crossed the Finish Line. The 5k Men’s Course Record has been Broken

Marathon star Ed Goddard and legend runner Leanne Pompeani took out the title in Sydney’s most scenic 10k fun run. 19-year-old Oliver Ham took out the 5k course record, and running legend Zoe Buckman won the 5k for the women.

Today 6,200 runners came out in force, participating in one of the best winter running events we’ve seen in years. As running culture experiences a huge resurgence, the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10&5k took us back to its roots with a Run Back In Time, Retro Run to pay homage to the 80s and 90s when the movement erupted.

The new-look event put on a show, with more entertainment than ever before. Runners also had the option of supporting brilliant cancer research by raising funds for Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) who has been the event charity partner for the past three years. ACRF was joined by their hero ambassador, 8-year-old artist Oliver Jepson. His art was featured on the race bibs and an auction took place to raise money for his” When I’m Better” wish list. Nearly $70,000 was raised for ACRF.

The event winners

Taking out the title in the elite male field for the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k for the second year in a row was Marathon star Ed Goddard from Sydney who won in 30:02 ahead of Thomas Do Canto who finished in second place in 30:14. Third place was taken out by Sam Clifford in 30:40.

Leanne Pompeani led the women’s field in 32:01, followed by Paige Campbell in 33:01 and third place went to Caitlin Adams in a time of 33:16.

Nineteen-year-old, Oliver Ham, from the Central Coast, broke the 5k course record. He surprised everyone with his winning performance last year and backed it up again this year with a course record of 15:04.

“The course felt really good again this year,” said Oliver. “It is a flat, fast course, and I won last year, so I had to come back and do it again.”

Two-time Olympian Zoe Buckman once again took out the 5km for the women with a time of 16:16. “I wasn’t feeling my best today as I have been sick all week”, said Zoe. “I haven’t really trained this week and didn’t have the confidence, so I had to keep mentally tapping into it. My next race will be a debut 10k road race in September, so I need to start training for it.”

Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s breathtaking harbour, The Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10&5k is a certified accurate flat course with incredible views, enjoyed by walkers and runners of all abilities.

The 10k is popular with elite and experienced runners as the course is known for delivering PB’s and many use the race as a hit out for ahead of longer events later in the calendar. 2024 Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k Men’s winner Ed Goddard said that it is one of the best running courses.

“This is always a great course,” said Goddard. “Any course that takes in the most beautiful city in the world is awesome. I do a lot of training here, so I know the course well. It was exposed to the wind today, so I needed to use some tactics. I want to be the number one runner in Sydney, so if I didn’t show up to events like this, I wouldn’t be that.”

“Next up I will be running the City2 Surf before heading overseas for October and November. I took a break back in May, so I am just building myself back up for that.”

2024 Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k Women’s winner was running legend Leanne Pompeani. “The race was windy today and you could definitely feel it,” said Leanne. “I was like everyone else, trying to get that spot behind the leader. This event really is a race for everyone and it’s nice to have men in the pack too.”

“I have been racing a lot lately, and my next event will be City2Surf. The women will show up though so it won’t be an easy race.”

The Event Director Wayne Larden said the event has gained even more attention this year despite many of our key elites being at the Olympics with big increases in participation. “It was a great event this year and turn out. We had some really strong runners despite several of our elites being at the Olympics, and we had a number of reigning Champions line up also.”

”The Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k & 5k continues to deliver a terrific experience for both elite and everyday runners, providing a fantastic way to stay fit and enjoy what is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular courses in the country. It’s a unique way to see the beautiful Sydney Harbour, the CBD and surrounds. It’s also a brilliant warm-up before the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS which takes place in September.”

Australian Cancer Research Foundation

For the third year in a row, Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) was the official charity partner, creating a platform for runners of all fitness levels to raise vital funds for lifesaving cancer research. This year’s ACRF event ambassador was the much-loved award-winning actor, writer and presenter, Matt Okine who laced up for the 10k.

Matt has felt the full impact of the disease after losing his mother to breast cancer at just 12 years of age. “Almost everyone has been or will be impacted by cancer in some way. Losing my mum has taught me a lot about life, resilience and acceptance and, has pushed me to get outside of my comfort zone. I’m honoured to help raise money and awareness for ACRF through such a wonderful, albeit exhausting, event and help fund research that will positively impact so many families,” said Okine, “It’s a privilege to be an ACRF ambassador. More funding for cancer research is essential so our best and brightest minds can find new ways to prevent, detect and treat this devastating disease.”

ACRF CEO Kerry Strydom expressed her excitement at having Okine on board. “We can’t thank Matt enough for coming on board and showing his support for ACRF. He’s one of Australia’s most known and loved personalities, who shares his own experience with such humility and grace. We are certain he will make a significant impact within the community,” Mrs Strydom said.

“I would also like to extend our sincerest thanks to Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10&5K organisers for choosing ACRF as its sole charity partner for the third consecutive year.”

“Two in five Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, so research could one day help yourself or someone you love. Together, we can all make a real difference.”

Since 1984, ACRF has invested more than $184 million across 86 research projects supercharging scientific research with the technology and equipment needed to find new ways to prevent, detect and treat all types of cancer.

More funding for cancer research is essential so our best and brightest minds can find new ways to prevent, detect and treat this devastating disease.