Northern Territory’s City2Surf marks more than half a century

The Northern Territory’s largest fun run - NT City2Surf - is returning to Darwin on 2nd June and is expected to attract more than 2000 participants.

NT City2Surf is run by Athletics NT and supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Event Funding Program.

This year marks the 51st NT City2Surf, a massive milestone for the much-loved event, which attracts a wide variety of ages and runners. While the race is incredibly popular with locals, organiser Athletics NT, are working toward the event becoming a popular fixture on the national running calendar. Interstaters keen to travel to Darwin to take part and enjoy everything the Territory has to offer in the dry season are being particularly targeted this year.

The 12km category will see participants start at the Esplanade in the CBD and run or walk their way to the finish line at Nightcliff Foreshore. The other two categories are a 4km and 1.6 km course, both of which start and end at Nightcliff Pool. Participants who use hand cycles, frame runners and racing chairs also take part in the NT City2Surf.

This is the first time the current 12km course has been measured and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), enabling the course to receive a World Athletics ranking in the future.

NTMEC Chief Executive Suzana Bishop shared “The NT City2Surf is one of the largest mass participation sporting events in the Territory, with categories to suit everyone’s abilities, from the always hotly contested 12km course to the gentler 4km and 1.6km courses, suitable for children or those looking to simply get out and be part of the fun.

“It’s a great event for people with a fitness goal to work towards, as well as get the whole family involved in. Not only that, the race attracts runners from across the country who get to run by the ocean and enjoy our beautiful dry season weather, as well as get out and explore our unique tourism experiences and incredible landscapes.”

Athletics NT executive officer Leanne Chin added “In 2024, we’re very excited about building on the record number of entrants from last year’s NT City2Surf.

“The course will be AIMS-measured and certified, which will help us to attract interstate runners and boost our profile on the national running calendar.”

Registrations for all categories are now open. To find out more and to register head to www.ntcity2surf.com.au