Gunnedah students tackle City to Surf

A mix of fun and satisfaction at accomplishing personal challenges was how nine Gunnedah district runners summed up their participation in this year’s 14km Sydney City to Surf on 9 August.

Connor Casey, Violet King, Camden Many, Charlotte and Grace Roberts, Emmi, Campbell and Morgan Shannon and Dougie Watson were part of a team of almost 200 runners from The Armidale School that participated in Australia’s largest fun run, involving almost 80,000 people and which stretches from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.

Connor finished in a time of 1:40.23 but said it was the experience, rather than his time that he was focusing on.

“It was just an amazing opportunity to run with my mates and experience it with them. Things like this are also good to challenge yourself,” said Connor, who is also going to do the 19 for Nineteen charity walk in October to raise funds for childhood sarcoma research.

Both events are components of the TAS Triple Crown, an award given for the completion of three challenge events that also include the 2km Coffs Harbour Ocean Swim and the 260km Tour de Rocks cycle classic from Armidale to Sawtell.

Charlotte Roberts, who wasn’t far behind Connor finishing in 1:42.48, said it was “an incredible, unexpected experience”.

“Everywhere you looked there were runners in costumes and people having fun, with loud music, cheering crowds and thousands of runners. It’s wonderful to have these opportunities. Since I’ve started at TAS I’ve also been part of a weekly program cooking for the Armidale Women’s Shelter and represented the school in cross country, making the most of my time at TAS,” she said.

As part of their involvement the TAS students raised funds and awareness for the charity Hearts in Rugby Union, with a group of senior students and principal Ray Pearson pushing Old Boy and former Wallaby Richard Tombs in his wheelchair along the length of the course.

Mr Pearson said it was inspiring that so many students put themselves forward to participate, and exemplified the school’s commitment to character education. “Completing the City to Surf requires commitment and resilience. To accept the challenge and see it through is an achievement of which each participant should be proud,” said Mr Pearson, adding that any families interested in TAS were warmly invited to the school’s Open Day on 12 September.