Narrabri students tackle City to Surf

A mix of fun and satisfaction at accomplishing personal challenges was how some Narrabri district runners summed up their participation in this year’s 14km Sydney City to Surf on 9 August.

Chloe Cameron and Benjamin Taylor were part of a team of almost 200 runners from The Armidale School that participated in Australia’s largest fun run, involving almost 80,000 people and stretching from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.

Competing for the second year, Chloe finished in a time of 1:37.06, inside the goal of one hour and 40 minutes that she had set herself.

“It’s such a great event, I wanted to run well but also have fun and take in the atmosphere and surroundings a bit more this year, alongside a friend,” Chloe said.

As a City to Surf first-timer, Ben also ran to soak in the experience, completing the course in 1:39.12.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be, and was quite enjoyable, running with a few mates. I was aiming for around six minutes twenty (seconds) per kilometre, which I achieved easily.”

Both Chloe and Ben are pursuing the TAS Triple Crown, an award given for the completion of three challenge events alongside City to Surf that include the 2km Coffs Harbour Ocean Swim, and the 260km Tour de Rocks cycle classic from Armidale to Sawtell.

They are also both involved in service activities, including cooking meals for the Armidale Women’s Shelter.

“I also enjoy fortnightly visits to Newling Gardens aged care facility where we spend time talking with the residents and occasionally play games. I enjoy these activities because not only am I doing it with my friends, but also giving my time to others in need,” said Chloe, who is also the head girl of Middle School.

Principal Ray Pearson said combining service and challenge is an important part of the character education curriculum of the school. Indeed, as part of their involvement in City to Surf, TAS students raised funds and awareness for the charity Hearts in Rugby Union, with a group of senior students and Mr Pearson pushing Old Boy and former Wallaby Richard Tombs in his wheelchair along the length of the course.

“Completing the City to Surf and events like it requires commitment and resilience. To accept the challenge and see it through is an achievement of which each participant should be proud,” said Mr Pearson, adding that any families interested in TAS were warmly invited to the TAS Middle School Open Day on 12 September.