NSW: Aussies a chance in City to Surf

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2008
NSW: Aussies a chance in City to Surf

SYDNEY, Aug 9 AAP - As 70,000 people limber up for tomorrow's City to Surf, there is
speculation an Aussie might take out race honours as the usual swathe of international
competitors attend the Beijing Olympics.

The event, in its 37th year, starts at 9am (AEST) tomorrow at Sydney's Hyde Park and
winds its way through the eastern suburbs to the finish line at Bondi Beach.

The 14 km event's record time of 40 minutes and three seconds was set by Australian
runner Steve Moneghetti in 1991.

Organisers say there will be a strong field of talented runners competing in the race,
although a number of top male competitors from Kenya and Tanzania will be absent due to
Olympic commitments.

Canberra public servant Martin Dent, 29, will be one competitor to watch at the front
of the pack.

Wearing the number 41 bib, Dent recorded a City to Surf time of 41 minutes and 19 seconds
in 2005, just seven seconds behind the winner.

This year, the 2006 Commonwealth Games team member hopes to cross the line in first place.

Injured track star Jana Rawlinson will blow the starting horn tomorrow, sending competitors
off along William Street - one of 17 roads that will be closed for the fun run.

Motorists are being warned to expect delays through the eastern suburbs as roads are
closed on a staggered schedule between 6am and 4pm.

A number of clearways will also operate between 1am and 4pm tomorrow to improve traffic
flows in the area.

While police may restrict commercial and residential access to some roads, there will
be no effect on pedestrian movements, the Roads and Traffic Authority said in a statement.

All roads should be reopened by 4pm.

Competitors and spectators have also been warned to check on railway trackwork.

For more details of road closures, visit http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

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KEYWORD: CITY2SURF

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