How could you pass up the chance of running across a closed Harbour Bridge, across and alongside Sydney Harbour and it's amazing scenery?

The Sydney Running Festival takes in a series of runs ranging from 3K, 9K, a Half Marathon and Full Marathon. All courses take in the same beginning of the course, however the 3K/9K finish in the Royal Botanic Gardens near the Sydney Conservatorium while the half and full finish at the Sydney Opera House.

The 9K course itself doesn't have any hills, except for the beginning (start from Milson's Point to the entrance of the bridge) and is quite wide, until the course enters the Royal Botanic Gardens and around Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Be careful when running through the tunnel (downhill) coming off the bridge to the expressway, as this is one of the only locations where there is a downhill, a couple of runners seemed to trip along the rubbish at the side of the road.

Sydney itself isn't incredibly hilly so most of the half/full course is on flat, or at worst - slightly inclined roadway.

There are sufficient toilets and aid stations along the course. Spectators were encouraged to line the streets from the Cahill expressway, down Macquarie street and in the Royal Botanic Gardens. There are no spectators on the Harbour Bridge - the road is far too separate from the side to be able to see, however the pedestrian & bicycle pathways are still open.

The expo was located in Sydney's Town Hall, with a range of exhibitors including a large space for race merchandise. It was recommended to submit your race bag while picking up your bib - no gels or liquids allowed, however it did cut down the time spent at the beginning of the race, and there was no wait for the bags to arrive at the end.

Early bird entry included a Sydney Running Festival singlet.