The NSW Road Championships have been contested in various forms for well over a century!
During the late 90’s through to 2006 the event was held at Holsworthy Army Base in Southern Sydney. Due to unavailability of the venue at short notice, the event was moved to the Appin Scout Camp. However, due to the lass than perfect course, this was viewed only as a stop gap measure.
For the 2008 event, Athletics NSW (ANSW) searched for a course that would suit the needs of ANSW members. The key aspects of the course that ANSW members wanted were;
- A flat and fast course, conducted on a good road surface
- A venue that is central to Sydney
- Adequate amenities.
ANSW search finished close to home at Sydney Olympic Park. The flat well sealed roads coupled with the geographical location and location in Sydney historic Olympic precinct made Sydney Olympic Park the perfect location for the Road Championships.
In 2008 & 2009, the event was conducted in collaboration with the Sydney Striders Road Running club, one of the biggest Running clubs in NSW. It started in P5 car park, and ran past many of the areas landmarks, including ANZ Stadium.
The event began with around 550 finishers in the 10km, with last year that number being closer to 650. These athletes were primarily athletes registered or affiliated with ANSW and Sydney Striders.
In 2010, a significant changes were made. Most obviously, the event was revamped with a new name (adidas Sydney:10) and start point. With support from Sydney Olympic Park Authority, the event will now start and finish on Olympic Bld, with the Overflow used as the base for athletes and spectators. The overflow park will allow picturesque surroundings, and will have athletes starting and finishing next to the Olympic Cauldron and the Olympic Stadium.
ANSW has also opened the event up to more than just ANSW or Sydney Striders members, meaning anyone from the running community can compete.
In 2011, further enhancements have been made, with the includion of an elite mile, and prizemoney associated with the event.
Before the inaugural event in 2008, ANSW had a five year plan to make this event into one of the most prominent 10km races on the Athletics Australia calendar, which also included room for growth so athletes of all abilities could strive for that allusive PB. In 2011, ANSW is excited that as we enter year 4, we are on track to achieve these goals.
