In his first attempt at the fun run, the Year 11 TAS student averaged 3.56 minutes for each of the 14km of the event, including the infamous 1.6km Heartbreak Hill at Rose Bay which he scaled in just over six minutes. Running as part of the blue start rather than with the ‘red’ group of elite runners who may have pushed him on even more, Makeham finished 14 minutes behind race winner, Olympian Craig Mottram, who crossed the line in 41 minutes and 56 seconds.

Joe said it was an amazing experience. 

“There was never a dull moment with the streets packed with bands and supporters throughout the entire race. I was pretty happy with my time of 55:12, though I didn’t really know what time to expect as I’ve never run a race as long,” he said.

“I think the highlight of the race would have to be the sense of achievement that it gave all the TAS boys who participated, many, like myself, for the first time. It was a great feeling for all of us running in such an energetic atmosphere.”

The TAS team – the largest school team entered in the event -  consisted of 67 entrants, although injuries on the rugby field only a few hours before departing Armidale reduced this number to 61 on race morning.

While TAS students have participated in the event for many years, athletics MIC Jim Pennington said it is growing in popularity.

“Part of this is because the City to Surf now forms part of a school award called the TAS Triple Crown, for those students who complete it, the 2km Coffs Harbour Ocean Swim and the 111km overnight Hawkesbury Canoe Classic during their time at the school,” he said. 

“However the very special atmosphere of this event, combined with a sense of physical challenge as the course makes its way from the City to Bondi via the infamous Heartbreak Hill, remains an enduring attraction in its own right.”