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Chad Aziz Conquers 4,000-Kilometre Cross-Australia Run, Finishing at Bondi Beach

Twenty-year-old endurance athlete Chad Aziz has completed a 4,000-kilometre run from Cottesloe Beach in Western Australia to Bondi Beach after 62 days, raising funds and awareness for youth mental health charity zero2hero.

Daily Distances On The Cross-Country Route

Aziz began the coast-to-coast challenge at Cottesloe Beach on 20 May 2026 and finished at Archer Park at Bondi Beach. He averaged about 65 kilometres a day, covering roughly the equivalent of a marathon and a half during each stage of the crossing.

The run took him through remote parts of Australia and into New South Wales before the final approach to Sydney. He identified loneliness and spending long periods alone, sometimes for about 12 hours, as among the most difficult parts of the journey.

The crossing formed part of an official Guinness World Record attempt to become the youngest person to run across Australia. Aziz was 20 when he completed the 4,000-kilometre route.

Planning Behind The Run

The challenge was announced in March 2026. Aziz deferred his studies for the semester and worked with a support crew to organise a caravan, map the route, arrange accommodation, prepare meals, set a budget and develop safety procedures.

Daily planning covered food, water, recovery, navigation, weather and risk management. The support team also handled communications, supplies, radio call-outs, record documentation and adjustments to plans as conditions changed.

Aziz’s endurance background developed after he became more involved in health and fitness at 18. Simple runs and local community events led to ultradistance training, Ironman events and other endurance challenges. He had also previously appeared as a contestant on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Bondi Beach Run Supports zero2hero

The campaign supported zero2hero, a Western Australian youth charity focused on mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. Its programs, events and educational initiatives are designed to help young people understand and manage their mental health.

endurance running — *Photo Credit: Chad Aziz/Facebook*

The campaign had raised nearly $17,000 towards a $100,000 target after the crossing was completed. Aziz used the run to encourage young Australians to take part in physical activity, attempt difficult goals and build confidence through sustained effort.

Donations made for the charity campaign were directed to zero2hero. A separate GoFundMe supported essential running costs such as food, fuel and water, with any money left after those expenses intended for the charity.

Donation links for zero2hero and the run were available through the Chad Runs Aus website.

Published 28-July-2026

No More Stickers: Bondi Beach Moves To Digital Parking Permits

WaverleyCouncil

Bondi Beach’s parking system has entered a new era, replacing paper permits with a digital system designed to make parking management easier in one of Sydney’s most pressured beachside suburbs.

The new digital parking permits launched on 2 July, replacing windscreen stickers with licence plate-based recognition. The change means residents no longer need to display a physical permit, with eligibility now linked directly to their vehicle registration.

A new system for residents

Existing permit holders are transferred to the new digital system automatically. An email arrives with login details for anyone who wants to view their permits ahead of renewal, but no action is required until then.

New applications, renewals, registration updates and vehicle transfers all now happen through Waverley’s online portal at any time of day.

The pressure behind the upgrade

Bondi Beach’s street parking running at double capacity isn’t new information — it’s been the reality for years, which is why RPS zones here are tightly controlled. Requesting a new zone requires a formal written petition before any review is triggered.

Car share spaces across the LGA each remove an estimated six private vehicles from the street, which is why the scheme has expanded steadily as a pressure valve.

The digital system strengthens the RPS’s teeth. Licence plate recognition removes the loopholes that sticker systems invite — a permit linked to a registration cannot be transferred to an ineligible vehicle.

Keeping parking rules in check

Block someone’s driveway on a Bondi Beach street and the fine is $600, with towing possible within three hours. Call Waverley Customer Service on 9083 8000. Other parking violations can be reported via the Snap Send Solve app, which pushes reports directly to patrols.

While a proposal to charge residents a $300 fee for new driveway applications was dropped during a pricing review, the debate itself highlights the intense pressure on local street space.

For permit eligibility and applications, click here.

Published 10-July-2026

The Cutest Commute in Bondi: Inside the High-Stakes Training of Future Guide Dogs

It costs more than 50,000 dollars to turn a single puppy into a fully qualified guide dog, a figure that highlights the massive effort behind the scenes as the Petbarn Foundation heads to Bondi Beach to showcase the rigorous training journey of these future companions.

dog — *Photo Credit:* *Petbarn/ Facebook*

While most visitors head to the coastline for a swim or a surf, these young dogs visit to navigate the unpredictable chaos of public spaces, which is a vital step in their education. For the hundreds of thousands of Australians living with low vision or blindness, these animals are more than just pets; they are the foundation of daily independence and freedom.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 8 July, running from 6:45 AM until 8:30 AM. Participants will meet at the Bondi Icebergs before taking a walk along the local promenade.

dog — *Photo Credit:* *Petbarn/ Facebook*

The journey to becoming a qualified guide dog is long and demanding, typically spanning more than two years of development. Trainers must expose puppies to the sights, sounds, and constant movement of places like the Bondi coastline to ensure they remain calm and capable in any situation.

By integrating these dogs into real-world environments, the program builds the focus they need to guide someone safely through busy streets and public transport networks. As the population of Australians requiring vision support continues to rise, the demand for these highly skilled dogs has never been more significant.

This morning walk offers a rare look at the partnership between trainers, their energetic puppies, and the local community. Beyond the photo opportunities at the iconic lifeguard tower, the morning serves as a practical lesson in how the public can support dogs in training.

When handlers and puppies move through the area, it provides a chance for the community to see firsthand how these animals learn to handle distractions. It is an opportunity to recognise that every puppy on the path today is working toward a much larger goal: helping someone else navigate the world with confidence.

Published Date 03-July-2026

Community Questions Shape Debate Over Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan

Residents concerned about the future of Bondi Junction are calling for greater transparency as Waverley progresses a draft Vision and Master Plan that could reshape the suburb over the coming decades.

Read: Bondi Junction Growth Plan Signals Big Changes for Sydney’s East

The proposal has attracted significant community attention, with many residents acknowledging the need to plan for future housing while also seeking more detailed information about how the changes could affect the character and liveability of the area.

Those concerns came to the forefront during a recent public meeting, where a packed gallery questioned aspects of the draft plan, the consultation process, and the information made available to the community.

The Draft Vision and Master Plan

The draft Vision and Master Plan sets out Waverley’s long-term vision for Bondi Junction, aiming to create a more vibrant, connected and sustainable town centre. According to the local authority, the plan builds on community feedback gathered over several years, with residents identifying a desire for improved public spaces, stronger connections between neighbourhoods, a more active evening economy and development outcomes that support the community.

As part of the vision, the plan identifies opportunities for increased housing around Bondi Junction’s transport hub, with around 3,000 additional homes proposed over time.

Public consultation on the draft plan opened in May and concluded on 24 June, giving residents nine weeks to review the proposal and provide feedback before the next stage of the planning process.

Bondi Junction Vision — Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

Despite supporting the need for long-term planning, several residents argued they did not have enough information to fully assess the proposal. Community representative Catharine Munro said visual material released during consultation did not provide an accurate representation of the plan’s potential impacts. She called for additional three-dimensional modelling and shadow studies to help residents better understand how future development may affect surrounding streets and public spaces.

Labor representative Margaret Merten supported making the additional material available, saying many residents recognised both the need for a master plan and Sydney’s housing challenges. However, she said community members were simply asking for more detailed information to help them make informed submissions.

In a split vote, the Liberal-controlled administration decided not to release the additional modelling and shadow diagrams.

The meeting also became increasingly tense as some members of the public raised concerns about governance, transparency and potential conflicts of interest. During public addresses, comments were made questioning whether elected representatives had links to the property industry.

Read: More Bikes, Less Control? Bondi Braces for Changes to E-Bike Rules

Mayor Will Nemesh rejected those suggestions, saying the claims were incorrect and cautioning against potentially defamatory statements. He has previously declared his employment in planning and public affairs with Fivex Commercial Property, which leases commercial and retail properties across Sydney but has no listings within the Waverley local government area. He has also declared investment properties in Double Bay and Balmain.

As discussion continued, interruptions from the public gallery prompted Deputy Mayor Keri Spooner to remind attendees that respectful behaviour was expected inside the chamber. Some residents later walked out while the mayor was speaking, expressing frustration with the handling of the proposal.

Mr Nemesh said the Vision and Master Plan represents only the first stage of a much longer planning process. He said it would be followed by a planning proposal process requiring extensive analysis before any changes could occur.

He also said adopting a master plan would allow Waverley to have a say in the area’s future rather than do nothing.

With the consultation period now complete, submissions will be reviewed before the next steps for the Vision and Master Plan are determined. Many submissions focused on the amount of information available during consultation and how future growth should be planned.

Published 27-June-2026

NSW Government Commits $8.3M to Long-Term Bondi Recovery, Permanent Memorial

Photo Credit: Facebook / Waverley Council

Six months after the Bondi Beach terror attack, the NSW Government has confirmed an $8.3 million funding package to support the long-term recovery of the Jewish and broader Bondi community, including money set aside for a permanent memorial to those who died.

The package, announced on 14 June 2026, lands at a sensitive moment for the local community: it falls six months to the day since the attack and coincides with ongoing hearings of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Government officials have framed the funding as proof that support will not taper off once public attention moves elsewhere, with an emphasis on wellbeing, safety and cohesion initiatives that are designed to last.

A permanent place to remember

The single largest commitment in the package is $2 million directed to Waverley Council, which will go towards installing a permanent memorial. The memorial is intended to honour those who lost their lives in the attack while also recognising how the community responded in the days afterwards.

Council will lead the installation process, though further details on design, timing or location had not been released at the time of publication.

Wellbeing, safety and education funding

Beyond the memorial, the package is split across several areas:

$2 million for local wellbeing and recovery initiatives, expected to include community forums, support based in schools, and trauma-informed programs and grants.
$1 million granted to the Jewish Board of Deputies to keep ongoing support services running for community members, plus a further $200,000 for Multicultural NSW to continue community support grants delivered in partnership with the Board.
$500,000 for the Community Security Group, extending the 24-Hour Security Operations Centre for the NSW Jewish community for a further six months.
$2.6 million for the Sydney Jewish Museum, covering redevelopment works and new exhibitions focused on modern antisemitism, aimed at building awareness and community cohesion more broadly.

Building on earlier support

This latest package adds to a substantial amount of assistance already delivered by the NSW and federal governments since the attack. That has included close to $2.9 million in Bondi Beach Recovery payments for victims and families, a support hub established at Bondi Pavilion offering mental health and wellbeing services alongside Lifeline, Legal Aid and Jewish Care, and $3.6 million in case coordination support delivered through organisations including Jewish Care, Jewish Family Centre, Jewish House, The Junction Neighbourhood Centre and 54 Reasons Youth Service.

Other existing support includes $1 million in mental health and wellbeing assistance through the Jewish Board of Deputies, a further $1 million in crisis intervention services via Jewish House, and $7.3 million in financial assistance for small businesses affected by disruption following the attack. Separately, $1.8 million has funded Community Resilience and Engagement Coordinator roles across seven organisations, including Multicultural NSW, the Jewish Board of Deputies, Surf Life Saving NSW, Waverley Council, Kesser Torah College, the National Council of Jewish Women and Chabad of Bondi. Legal Aid NSW has also received $1 million to provide advice on matters such as compensation, government grants, workers compensation, tenancy issues and document replacement.

What local leaders are saying

Premier Chris Minns said the government had pledged to stand with the community from the outset and that this remained the intent behind the new funding. He pointed to the importance of tackling antisemitism through dedicated programs, alongside continued investment in community safety.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper described recovery as a long journey and said the funding reflected an understanding that the effects of the attack are ongoing rather than confined to a single moment. He said the package was designed to support individuals, families and businesses now while also building toward longer-term social cohesion.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said there is no set timeframe for grief and trauma, and that the funding was about ensuring support remains available well beyond the short term, helping to strengthen cohesion and uplift affected communities over time.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the past six months had presented one of the greatest challenges the local government area has faced, and that the impact of the attack is still keenly felt across Waverley. He said council remained firmly committed to supporting both the Waverley and Jewish communities, and welcomed the NSW Government’s ongoing assistance as critical to that effort.

Michele Goldman, CEO of the Jewish Board of Deputies, said the funding acknowledged that recovery does not follow a straight line, and that its impact continues long after public attention shifts elsewhere. She said the support would allow her organisation to keep delivering culturally appropriate assistance, build community resilience, and stand alongside those affected as they continue to process their grief. Goldman also expressed gratitude for the continuing partnership with the NSW Government during what she described as an extremely difficult period for the community.

Background

The Bondi Beach attack took place on 14 December 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration that drew a large crowd to the area. It is recognised as the deadliest terror attack in Australia’s history. Criminal proceedings are continuing against the surviving accused, who faces dozens of charges, including multiple counts of murder, in relation to the attack.

Residents seeking further information on available support services can visit the NSW Government’s dedicated webpage at www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack.

Published 14-June-2026

Westfield Bondi Junction Gets a $240-M Overhaul

Westfield Bondi Junction is undergoing a $240 million redevelopment, with construction already underway on a transformed level six that will combine entertainment, dining, and lifestyle offerings.

Read: Westfield Malls Introduce Body Cameras Following Bondi Beach Stabbing

According to Westfield, the revamped level six will span 13,300 square metres and sit against panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.

What’s Coming to Level Six

The anchor tenant of the new precinct will be a refurbished Event Cinemas, upgraded to include an elevated Gold Class lounge and a boutique auditorium. Westfield has confirmed Event Cinemas is temporarily closed for the refurbishment and is expected to reopen by the end of 2026.

A new Kingpin entertainment venue will also open on the level, alongside several premium dining experiences. Specific restaurant names have not yet been publicly confirmed. The precinct will also feature modern cafes and a dedicated activation space for live music and family entertainment.

The valet service is also being upgraded, described by the company as an “elevated” experience that will connect directly to the new dining and entertainment precinct on level six.

Level five will also receive a refresh, with new food offerings and updated furnishings and finishes. Level 5 can be reached via escalators and customer lifts near Tower 1, as well as escalators near Zara and Kmart.

Read: Virgin Active Bondi Junction: Inside Elka Whalan’s Fitness Routine at the Social Wellness Club

Beyond the construction works, two new retail tenants have been confirmed. Global luxury fashion and lifestyle brand ALO will open its Sydney flagship store at Bondi Junction, spanning 700 square metres across two levels. Swiss running brand On is also set to open a flagship store at the centre, its first in New South Wales.

The announcements follow recent openings at the centre, including Virgin Active and a rebel rCX store on level one.

Published 10-June-2026

Pedestrians and Buses First? Have Your Say on the Future of This Key Bondi Beach Hub

Photo Credit: Waverley Council

People walking, cycling, and pushing prams through Bondi Beach will soon receive unprecedented right-of-way protection as local planners move to eliminate a notoriously dangerous six-way traffic bottleneck.

A Fresh Approach to a Familiar Hub

The sprawling junction where Hall Street, O’Brien Street, and Glenayr Avenue meet serves as a vital community heartland for local services and daily beachside life. While the intersection has been included in multiple identity studies over the past two decades—including the Six Ways project in 2007, a street upgrade in 2021, and the Destination Hall Street campaign in 2022—local leaders are now looking at the space through a modern transport lens.

Following an extensive local area traffic management study conducted by consulting firm GHD in November 2022, data regarding local crash histories, near-miss incidents, speed profiles, and vehicle volumes convinced planners that a complete structural realignment was necessary to protect the public and revitalise the communal space.

Weighing the Community Options

To jumpstart this transformation, council planners recently completed fresh traffic modelling based on real-world weekday peak-hour surveys collected in February 2025. Designers intentionally avoided using data from the absolute peak of the summer tourist rush to ensure the final infrastructure is not unnecessarily over-engineered for year-round residents. Two distinct concept designs are now sitting before the community for public feedback.

The first option completely shifts the traditional right-of-way by giving continuous priority to buses and general traffic moving between O’Brien Street and Glenayr Avenue. While this adjustment will cause minor delays for private cars navigating Hall Street, the broader efficiency gains are expected to slash overall average wait times across the entire intersection by 50 per cent. Conversely, the second option maintains the current traffic rules, meaning commuters on Glenayr Avenue will continue to face the same significant, daily delays they experience today.

Shifting the Transport Hierarchy

Both proposals represent a strict commitment to the council’s 2017 environmental and transit policies, which deliberately place active travel and public buses at the top of the local transport hierarchy. This framework explains why a traditional roundabout was completely ruled out during the early design phases, as planners determined that roundabouts create steep safety challenges for people walking, cycling, or rolling through the unique six-way layout.

Instead, designers are exploring the introduction of in-lane bus stops. Although waiting behind a stopped bus will cause brief, minor delays for drivers—comparable to waiting for a neighbour to parallel park—the setup dramatically improves bus reliability. Additionally, keeping buses in the active traffic lane actually increases the available kerbside space for regular car parking, which local officials believe will relieve street parking pressures and encourage more residents to stop and support the nearby Hall Street commercial shops.

Shape the Final Design

Local council representatives emphasise that this project is still in its infancy, which is why official cost estimates have not yet been drawn up or submitted to local representatives. Project coordinators are actively refuting claims that local businesses and residents have been left out of the loop, noting that this current feedback phase is an extension of a consultation process that originally began back in 2022. Officials stress that all community survey responses, written opinions, and stakeholder insights will be thoroughly evaluated to help refine the blueprints before any final funding decisions or construction votes are made by local councillors.

Published Date 27-May-2026

Bondi Junction Growth Plan Signals Big Changes for Sydney’s East

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

Bondi Junction’s shopping strips and transport interchange may soon give way to a denser, more active town centre designed for apartment living, late-night dining and around-the-clock foot traffic.

Waverley Council is preparing to place its Bondi Junction master plan on public exhibition after months of planning work tied to Sydney’s housing shortage and the NSW Government’s push for more homes near train stations. The proposal outlines space for about 3,000 additional dwellings across Bondi Junction, alongside new public squares, wider pedestrian links and expanded retail and hospitality areas around Oxford Street Mall.

According to Waverley Council’s planning documents, the suburb’s role as a transport hub has long shaped the area, with commuters and visitors moving through the interchange daily on their way to Bondi Beach and Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The council’s latest vision instead centres on keeping people in the precinct longer by adding more homes, community facilities and entertainment spaces close to public transport.

Taller Buildings Planned Around Bondi Junction Station

The draft plan divides Bondi Junction into several redevelopment zones, with the tallest buildings expected near the train and bus interchange and along sections of Oxford Street. Mid-rise apartment buildings are also proposed along Bondi Road and Bronte Road, while shop-top housing would expand across existing commercial strips.

A separate NSW Planning proposal for large build-to-rent towers on Oxford Street already signals the scale of projects being considered in the area. That development includes more than 1,000 apartments across towers rising above 40 storeys.

Council says concentrating housing near major transport links could reduce car reliance while supporting local businesses.

Oxford Street Mall Set for Extended Dining and Night Activity

Part of the proposal focuses on reshaping Oxford Street Mall into a busier public space with longer trading hours, outdoor dining and more live entertainment. Council wants Bondi Junction to function as more than a daytime shopping centre by encouraging activity later into the evening.

A separate Waverley Council statement outlined plans for expanded dining, cultural events and live music as part of a broader effort to support local businesses and increase foot traffic after business hours.

The master plan also includes targets for additional tree canopy, upgraded public spaces and more community facilities spread across the precinct.

Housing Pressure Continues Across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

Bondi Junction’s redevelopment push comes as the NSW Government expands its transport-oriented housing strategy across Sydney. Under the state’s Transport Oriented Development Program, higher-density housing is being encouraged within walking distance of train stations and major public transport corridors.

Neighbouring suburbs including Woollahra and Edgecliff are also facing major planning changes linked to increased housing targets. Some residents and community groups have raised concerns about traffic congestion, overshadowing and pressure on local infrastructure as density increases.

At the same time, housing advocates argue suburbs with established transport systems and commercial centres are among the few areas capable of supporting large numbers of new homes close to jobs and services. Sydney YIMBY described Bondi Junction as one of Sydney’s strongest locations for transit-focused housing growth because of its rail connections and existing retail core.

Affordable Housing Remains a Key Question

Waverley Council says 10 per cent of future homes delivered under the plan would be allocated as affordable housing, though further details around developer contributions and delivery methods are still expected during later planning stages.

The documents also point to future investment in public spaces, upgraded streets and community infrastructure tied to redevelopment contributions from developers.

The proposal has prompted discussion among residents about how Bondi Junction could manage future growth while maintaining local amenity and accessibility.

Published 20-May-2026

Bondi Beach Shared Bike Parking Set To Become Permanent

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

Bondi Beach’s shared bike parking bays are set to stay after a six-month trial gave riders clearer places to park and helped reduce the impact of dockless bikes on busy footpaths.

Bondi Beach Shared Bike Bays Move Beyond Trial Stage

At Bondi Beach, shared bikes are part of the constant movement of residents and visitors travelling through the area. Their convenience has made them popular for short trips, but their dockless design has also created a familiar problem: bikes left where people need to walk.

A six-month trial of designated shared bike parking is now set to become permanent after helping create clearer parking expectations in busy public areas.

Bondi Beach was included in the parking program, which introduced marked bays for shared bikes across key Waverley locations. Across the trial area, 60 dedicated parking locations were installed, with capacity for about 500 bikes.

The trial used a mix of on-street and off-street spaces, depending on the available room and the impact each location could have on pedestrians, traffic movement and parking.

Bondi Beach Parking Responds to Dockless Bike Use

Shared bikes are hired for short-term use through mobile apps. In Sydney, they usually operate without fixed docking stations, allowing riders to finish trips without returning bikes to a specific location.

That system makes the bikes flexible, but it also means they can be left in places that affect footpath access. In a busy beach precinct such as Bondi Beach, poorly parked bikes can quickly add to pressure on public space.

The designated parking bays are intended to make the system more orderly. In Restricted Parking Zones, riders are required to park in marked bays. Operators support this through app prompts and penalties when bikes are left outside the required areas.

Penalties may include additional charges, fines or account suspension for repeat offences.

Marked Bays Create Clearer Parking Expectations

The Bondi Beach shared bike parking approach is part of a wider effort to manage a transport option that has grown quickly.

About one million shared bike trips were recorded across Waverley in 2025, showing the scale of use by residents and visitors. The current operators listed for the area are Lime, HelloRide and Ario.

The trial’s on-street bays use kerbside space and are often installed in existing No Stopping zones to reduce the effect on car parking. In some locations, car parking has been reallocated, with one car space able to hold about 10 to 15 shared bikes.

Off-street bays are used where footpath width allows, or where placing bikes on the street would have too much impact on traffic movement or parking. These areas are marked with line marking.

Bondi Beach shared bike parking — *Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil*

More Bays Proposed After Positive Feedback

Feedback on the six-month trial was described as overwhelmingly positive. It also showed support for further expansion and stronger parking management.

A further 36 shared bike parking areas are proposed across the wider area, with capacity for about 400 more bikes. Public feedback on the trial ran from Monday, 2 February 2026 to Monday, 2 March 2026.

The permanent move is a practical response to a visible local issue. It keeps shared bikes available as a short-trip option while setting clearer boundaries around where they should be left.

The shift does not remove shared bikes from the area. It changes how they are managed, with designated spaces becoming the expected place for riders to end their trips.

Published 6-May-2026

Ever Walked Bondi to Manly? Now You Can Run it

Bondi to Manly Ultra/Facebook

The Bondi to Manly Ultra Marathon returns this year, starting at Bondi Pavilion and finishing at Manly Beach, with registrations now open for the 80-kilometre solo ultra as well as two-person and four-person relay options that put the course within reach of runners who are not quite ready to tackle the whole thing alone.

For anyone who has walked the Bondi to Manly Walk and wondered what it would feel like to run it, that question now has a structured answer. The course follows the full 80-kilometre walking track, weaving south to north along clifftops, harbour foreshores, through national parks and past 49 beaches, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and some of the most photographed coastline on the planet.

The 2026 edition marks a new chapter for the race. Global events company MARI, which also manages the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival and the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, has taken on the custodianship of the event, while the Bondi to Manly Walk Supporters Group remains the event’s owner and an advisory partner.

“The Bondi to Manly Ultra is a defining expression of Sydney’s identity and the enduring human spirit of athletic endeavour,” said Marcus Gale, managing director of MARI Australia.

Founding CEO Elle Pacholski said the partnership would take the event to new heights while staying true to the landscape and communities it passes through.

*Photo Credit: Bondi to Manly Ultra/Facebook*

Three Ways to Run the Same Course

The solo category is the headline act: 80 kilometres from Bondi Pavilion to Manly Beach, run as a continuous effort, open to participants aged 18 and over. It is widely considered one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most demanding urban endurance races, drawing elite ultramarathon athletes and determined recreational runners from around Australia and internationally.

But the relay options are where the 2026 edition opens the door considerably wider. A two-person team splits the course into two legs of roughly 40 kilometres each, while a four-person team tackles legs ranging from 17km to 23km, making the event a perfect fit for runners used to the half-marathon distance.

Bondi to Manly Ultra marathon — Photo Credit: Bondi to Manly Ultra/Facebook

The four-person relay is open to runners aged 16 and over, while the solo and two-person categories remain an 18-plus challenge. Every finisher receives a t-shirt, race number with timing device and finisher’s medal. Entries are limited and the event historically sells out.

A Race That Gives Back to the Track

The Bondi to Manly Ultra is a not-for-profit event. All proceeds are donated to the Bondi to Manly Walk Supporters Group and reinvested into preserving and enhancing the walking track that the course follows. Every entry is a direct contribution to the coastal environment runners pass through on race day.

The 2026 Bondi to Manly Ultra will commence on Saturday 24 October 2026. To register for the event, click here. Follow the event on Facebook for course and logistics updates in the lead-up to October.

Published 30-April-2026