City, surf and bars
Tim Colman
Running - great for the knees
The City2Surf is on this Sunday starting with a bang from Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD and ending out of breath at Bondi Beach. It’s a 14km run to test your stamina and fitness. The problem is running is dull and not great for your knees. Pub crawls on the other hand are a lot more fun and hopefully don’t result in any knee reconstruction surgery. Here’s a few stops you might consider making if you need to break from pack.
Jog or stroll straight down William St, and head to your first stop, the Strand Hotel. As a TrueLocal reviewer notes it’s “no way a standout bar, but a completely acceptable place to stop”. Sounds perfect for the first beverage. Continuing up William St you may be contemplating calling the whole thing off before it gets out of hand. If so turn left and enjoying the delights of Kings Cross, if not head under the bridge and down New South Head Rd.
Get used to New South Head Rd, you’ll be on it for a while. When you reach Double Bay you’re at the cavernous and menacing Golden Sheaf. It’s big, with four bars, so you might find a lot of runners catching their breath here.
Following the Sheaf you’re in a bit of a bar wasteland but are able to enjoy the ocean views before you get to the Rose Bay Hotel. One for the locals it serves up cheap pub grub, which you may need at this point considering you have a rather large hill to tackle next.
Up the hill, you’re in Vaucluse and it’s time for a game of bowls. The Vaucluse Bowling Club offers lawn bowls, a bar and spectacular views. Remember Vaucluse is basically a residential area so there aren’t many pit stops.
Not far to go, and more importantly you’re heading down hill, along Military Rd. Before you hit the beach duck into the North Bondi RSL – priceless water views coupled with cheap drinks.
You’re then on the home stretch, along Campbell Pde to Bondi Beach. Once your feet are in the sand take your pick of venues. Maybe you should have just headed straight to Bondi in the first place?
I think I’d need a drink if I even considered doing the City to Surf. this is a much better alternative to running!!
chloerobot of Lilyfield
