SYDNEY HALF MARATHON – 21K

Description

We’ll start the tour at Hyde Park, where we’ll begin with a traditional “Welcome to Country”, to pay tribute to the traditional owners of the land we’ll be running on. We’ll then head past the skyscrapers down to Darling Harbour, where we’ll admire the view before heading into the historic Pyrmont district. We’ll stay waterside, running along the peaceful wharves, before heading back across Darling Harbour to the lively Barangaroo district. Once a important hunting and fishing location for the Aboriginal Cadigal people, this area is now one of Sydney’s newest developments, playing host to pubs, clubs and restaurants.

After passing the eye-catching Crown Casino building, we’ll then head along the edge of the peaceful Barangaroo Reserve. Steeped in history, this area is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. We’ll continue along the water, past the historic piers of Walsh Bay, before heading up and over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

We’ll run across the bridge, marvelling at the incredible views of Sydney Harbour down below, before turning down a hidden path and entering Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. As we climb down the stairs through this oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of the city, we’ll discover how one woman’s grief resulted in this wasteland becoming a place of tranquillity, and the volunteers who work to keep the garden beautiful. You’ll then run alongside picturesque Lavender Bay, past Sydney Luna Park, with ample opportunity for photographs of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from this new vantage point on the harbour’s north shore.

We’ll then run up the hill and back across the Harbour Bridge, taking in the view of the Sydney Opera House, before running alongside the Cahill Expressway, high above Circular Quay, and down the hill. You’ll now have a chance to get up close and personal with the Sydney Opera House, and even touch some of the 1 million roof tiles covering the “sails” of this iconic building.

We’ll then head into the stunning Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens, the oldest scientific institution in Australia, home to 4,000 trees and 8,900 species of plant, for more breath-taking waterside views. Here, we’ll also learn how rangers managed to banish a 20,000-strong colony of flying foxes after they caused significant damage to valuable trees. After a short climb up past Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, we’ll continue alongside the water, enjoying the views over to Woolloomooloo’s iconic “Finger Wharf” before we head past the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and through the Domain Precinct. After enjoying the expanse of paths across the perfect lawns, set to the backdrop of skyline views, we’ll carry to close our loop at Hyde Park.