Marathon star Ed Goddard and 3 x Olympic Finalist Genevieve Gregson took out the title inSydney’s most scenic 10k fun run. Wild card, 18-year-old Oliver Ham surprised everyonewhen he was 10 seconds off beating the 5km record.
Today 5,600 runners came out in force to take part in the biggest Real Insurance SydneyHarbour 10k and 5k since the lockdowns lifted. The new-look event put on a show, withmore entertainment than ever before, and a larger focus on the family friendly 5k event.Runners also had the option of raising funds for Australian Cancer Research Foundation(ACRF), who have been the events charity partner for the past two years.Taking out the title in the strong elite male field for the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10kwas up-and-coming Marathon star Ed Goddard from Sydney who won in 29:37 ahead ofOlympian Ryan Gregson who finished in second place in 29:49. Third place was taken out byArron Spiessberger-Parker in 29:56.3 x Olympic finalist Genevieve Gregson led the women’s field in 32:19, closely followed byLeanne Pompeani in 32:22 and third place went to Eloise Wellings in a time of 32:58.Wild card, Oliver Ham, an 18-year-old from the Central Coast, surprised everyone to takeout the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 5km, with a time that was just 10 seconds off thecourse record, which was set last year. He clocked 15:42. Oliver is currently training for theNational Cross-Country Championships.Two time Olympian, Zoe Buckman took out the 5km for the women with a time of 16:38.Zoe noted that “the course was quite quick and flat, without too many sharp turns, so it’s anenjoyable place to run”. Zoe trains with Australian long-distance runner, Leanne Pompeaniin Des Proctor’s Group. She’s currently training whilst working and is also striding towardsthe Australian Cross Country Championships.Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s breathtaking harbour, The Real Insurance SydneyHarbour 10k and 5k is a certified accurate flat course with incredible views and enjoyed bywalkers and runners of all abilities.The 10k is popular with elite and experienced runners as the course is known for deliveringPB’s and many use the race as a hit out for ahead of longer events later in the calendar.2023 Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k Men’s winner Ed Goddard said that the course feltgood today.“There were not too many hills, but there were a few pinches to keep you honest,” saidGoddard. “It was a good all-round course.”The Sydney Harbour 10k was Goddard’s first race back since the Gold Coast Marathon threeweeks ago.“It was a quick bounce back, but I run this loop basically every day, so I know it like the backof my hand.”“I usually run half marathons and marathons; however, I love the 10k. You can feel so goodafter racing a 10k, whereas after a marathon you feel pretty beat up.”“Next up I am training to hopefully attend the Road Running Championships in Latvia, whichwill be exotic, and I have a marathon later in the year. My big goal though, is that I have myeye on the Olympics next year, but I need to put the work in for that.”2023 Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k Women’s winner was 33-year-old, GenevieveGregson.Genevieve notes that she loved the track, “despite feeling unwell early on and suffering theeffects of the cold weather, I took a positive turn around the 6-7K mark where my breathingbegan to relax and I started feeling myself again, after that, I could really enjoy the final 3-4Kof the scenic views.I was in a great headspace and loving the scenery, I was feeling very strong like I couldpotentially win.I’ve recently been in a marathon block, I did the Gold Coast Marathon three weeks ago, but Ihad no plans on racing after that, so I took a week of rest afterwards. After some training Ihad one really good session which made me think, why not take part, lets jump in the race. Ithought I’d be 3rd at best.Next up, I’ve got the Sunshine Coast Australian Half Marathon Championships on August13th, so I’ve got about 2 weeks to freshen up for that, but it looks like things are going wellfor it”.Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k and 5k Event Director Wayne Larden said the event hasgained even more attention this year, and he hopes to get up to those pre-covid numbers by2024.“It was a great event this year, with more families than ever before signing up to runtogether in one of Australia’s fastest and most beautiful 10k & 5k running events. And thestar-studded field certainly put on a show with some great racing.” It continues to deliver aterrific experience for both elite and everyday runners, providing a fantastic way to stay fitand enjoy what is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular 5k and 10k course in the country.It’s a unique way to see beautiful Sydney Harbour, the CBD and surrounds. It’s also a brilliantwarm up before the Sydney Marathon which takes place in September.”Australian Cancer Research FoundationFor the second year in a row, Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) was the officialcharity partner of the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k & 5k, creating a platform forrunners of all fitness levels to raise vital funds for cancer research.This year’s ACRF event ambassadors, former Olympic pole vaulter and Survivor champion LizParnov, and best-selling author and ‘The Resilience Project’ Founder Hugh van Cuylenburg,helped ACRF to raise awareness and funds for more brilliant cancer research acrossAustralia.Parnov and van Cuylenburg both took part in the picturesque 5km course.“I’ve been honoured to help raise money for ACRF through such a wonderful event,” saidParnov, who competed at the 2020 Olympic Games and won Australian Survivor: Heroes VVillains earlier this year.“Almost everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way. By supporting ACRF, we can allcontribute to cutting-edge research and help to give the people who need it most Australia’sbest cancer research.”Best-selling author van Cuylenburg, who presents The Resilience Project seminars ongratitude, empathy and mindfulness to schools, businesses, and sports clubs around thecountry, echoed Parnov’s message.“It’s a privilege to be an ACRF ambassador” said van Cuylenburg, who also co-hosts TheImperfects podcast.“While I am more of a sprinter, it was a pleasure to clock up some kms in the 5km event thismorning to help raise vital funds for brilliant cancer research.”ACRF CEO Kerry Strydom expressed her excitement at having Parnov and van Cuylenburg onboard.“We can’t thank Liz and Hugh enough for their commitment,” Ms Strydom said. “They’reboth extremely talented and caring people who will make a big difference with theirinfluence and voice in the community. A sincere thanks must also go to the Real InsuranceSydney Harbour 10k & 5k organisers. This is the second year that ACRF has been the solecharity partner of the event and we are so grateful.”Since 1984, ACRF has invested more than $174 million across 82 research projectssupercharging scientific research with the technology and equipment needed to find newways to prevent, detect and treat all types of cancer.More funding for cancer research is essential so our best and brightest minds can find newways to prevent, detect and treat this devastating disease.Here are some key stats and points of interest around ACRF:
All participants can check their results at www.sydneyharbour10k.com.
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