Recently, Keith Robins of Newport & District Running Club took to the streets of Sydney in Australia for his first race in a while. Afterwards, he was kind enough to send us this report of his experience!

I did my first race for some considerable time on 31st January while in Australia visiting family – the Dee Why to Manly 10k “Sun Run” – an iconic race in the Sydney area.  

Keith during the race

What can I say? It was very hot and humid. A start time of 06.45 and it was already 25 degrees – it must have reached nearly 30 on the course! Over 10,000 runners between the 10k and 7k races. I competed alongside my son Daniel (who has completed the race at least 3 times previously).

Keith, post-race, shows off his medal!

The route was all on-road and mainly urban. Definitely not flat though, and one brutal climb at Queenscliff. It does finish with about 1k flat along the world-famous and very scenic Manly Promenade. My time was a reasonable 67 minutes and 6th out of 25 in the 70-79 age category; 5,416th out of 8,545 overall.

Keith’s son, Dan, also took part!

Our plan to take a quick refreshing dip in the sea (along with thousands of others) was scuppered when the shark alarm was sounded within 5 minutes of finishing! Maybe stick to land and parkrun! The race was superbly well organised and there was amazing support along the entire course.