The NSW Road Championships have been contested in various forms for well over a century!
During the late 1990’s through to 2006 the event was held at Holsworthy Army Base in Southern Sydney. In 2007, due to unavailability of the venue at short notice, the event was moved to the Appin Scout Camp. However, due to the less than perfect course, this was viewed only as a stop-gap measure.
For the 2008 event, Athletics NSW searched for a course that would suit the needs of the running community. The key aspects of the course which Athletics NSW members wanted were:
- A flat and fast course, conducted on a good road surface.
- A venue that is central to Sydney.
- Adequate amenities.
Athletics NSWs search finished close to home at Sydney Olympic Park. The flat, well sealed roads coupled with the geographical location in Sydney's premier sporting 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 Australia 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 Athletics NSW and Sydney Striders.
In 2010, significant changes were made. Most obviously, the event was revamped with a new name (Sydney:10) and start /finish point. With support from the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, the event now starts and finishs on Olympic Boulevard, with tCathy Freeman Park used as the base for athletes and spectators. Cathy Freeman Park makes for a picturesque surrounding, and will have runners starting and finishing next to the Olympic Cauldron and the Olympic Stadium.
Athletics NSW 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 Australian running calendar, which also included room for growth so athletes of all abilities could strive for that allusive PB. In 2011, Athletics NSW is excited that as we enter the fourth year of the Sydney:10 that we are on track to achieve these goals.
