The City Ford Sydney Bondi Blue Water Challenge is a unique event that caters to ocean swimmers and runners. It has three swim distances: 500m, 1.5km and (the new) 3km.

The 500m swim distance is perfect for nippers or novice ocean swimmers looking for their first challenge. The 1.5km and 3km races draw top talent from the next generation of open-water swimming superstars, who swim alongside the weekend warriors.

Those that prefer to stay on land can challenge themselves in the 2km or 4km soft sand run with laps taking in the southern end of the iconic Bondi Beach. The runs are open to all ages 10 years plus, however, you can only do one distance due to the staggered starts.

500m swim

The 500m course is around two marker buoys set approximately 200 metres from the shoreline in front of the Bondi SBSLSC.

1.5km swim

The 1.5km course is a rectangle-shaped course. Participants leave the beach and pass the gate buoy on their right. Heading towards Icebergs, turn left around the two marker buoys at the south end of the bay, swim north across the bay and turn left around the two north marker buoys. Then swim south and turn right at the final gate buoy and after a short run, finish under the blue arch.

3km swim

The 3km course follows the same course as the 1.5km swim with participants completing 2 loops before turning right at the last marker buoy.

Please note that the swim courses may be altered on the day depending on surf conditions.

2km and 4km Beach Runs

The 2km and 4km beach run courses will be run on the soft sand along the promenade, starting just north of Bondi surf club. Participants in the 2km course will complete 2 loops and participants in the 4km race will complete 4 loops of the beach. The run will finish in front of Bondi Surf Club through the blue arch.

• 7:15 am -Registration and check-in open (all swims and runs)
• 7:40 am -Briefing for the 4km run (start line)
• 7:45 am -4km beach run & 2km beach run starts
• 8:30 am – 2km and 4km beach run presentations (on beach)
• 8:40 am -Briefing for the 500m swim (start line)
• 8:45 am -500m swim start
• 9:10 am -Briefing for the 1.5km swim (start line)
• 9:15 am -1.5km swim start
• 10:10 am -Briefing for the 3km swim (start line)
• 10:15 am -3km swim start
• 11:30 am -Presentation for the 1.5km & 3km swims (surf club)

When it’s time to celebrate after your swim, you’re spoilt for choice within striking distance of the beach. Venture north to the North Bondi RSL, or behind the beach to Ravesis (across the street on the corner of Hall & Campbell) or south to the Icebergs club.

All these places also serve coffee and food, so either way, you’ll be covered.

After brunch, explore the inner streets of Bondi off Hall street for fantastic shopping, hang out and people watch at the Icebergs pool, or for the very energetic, take a walk along the coastal walk towards Bronte.

Hopefully, by this time in the season, the parking will be better… but just the thought of a sunny day will fill up every last spot before sunrise.

There is beach parking along Elizabeth Drive and behind the Pavillon, 2-hours parking within a couple of blocks of the beach, and free parking lightyears from the beach (but the walk to the beach will be a good warm-up). Try Military Road up past the golf course in North Bondi.

Swimmers are encouraged to carpool or take public transportation.

The buses to Bondi are 380, 381, 333. The 389 also comes to Bondi, but you’ll need to get off on Hall Street or at the North Bondi terminal and walk.

If the weather is looking great, get there early as it’ll be heaving.

Prize categories

• 2km and 4km beach run – The age breakdown is as follows: Under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over
• 1.5km and 3km swims – The age breakdown is as follows: Under 19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and over

Presentations

• The presentation for the 2km and 4km run will be held on the beach at 8:30am
• The presentation for the 1.5km and 3km swims will be held in Bondi Surf Club at the conclusion of the 3km swim

Wetsuits, flippers, and snorkels
The City Ford Bondi Blue Water Challenge is a fun community event aimed at all swimming abilities. Competitors may use extraneous aids such as flippers, snorkels, floatation clothing or devices in any of the swims, but will not be eligible for any prize or qualify as an official place-getter.

Swimmers with disabilities
We encourage all swimmers to participate. If you require assistance during the swim, please contact us. We will make every effort to make it a safe and enjoyable swim.

Swimmers physical condition will be their own responsibility and all participants are encouraged to train in preparation for this event.
The minimum entry age is 9 years for the 500m swim, 10 years for the 1.5km swim and 12 years for the 3km swim. All competitors under the age of 18 will need parental consent to participate.
All swimmers must swim the prescribed course and ensure that their name is marked off the official entrants register at the conclusion of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge even if they do not complete the course.
Swimmers must swim in the age category for which they are eligible.
All swimmers must wear their prescribed cap, race number and timing device.
A swimmer may use extraneous aids such as flippers, snorkels, floatation clothing or devices but will not be eligible for any prize or qualify as an official place getter.
All swimmers must behave in a fair and sportsmanlike manner without interference or aggression towards other competitors and any breach of this rule may result in disqualification from the Bondi Blue Water Challenge.
If in the opinion of an event medical officer or a water safety official a competitor is physically or otherwise incapable of starting or completing the Bondi Blue Water Challenge or has been in the water for an inordinate time such competitor may be disqualified from starting or be removed from the water at any time.
There will be safety craft patrolling the course. Signal them if you need any assistance. Your safety is our priority.
All decisions of the race committee will be considered absolute and final.
Beach run race rules 

The minimum entry age is 10 years. All competitors under the age of 18 will need parental consent to participate.
All runners must run the prescribed course and ensure that their name is marked off the official entrants register at the conclusion of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge even if they do not complete the course.
All runners must behave in a fair and sportsmanlike manner without interference or aggression towards other competitors and any breach of this rule may result in disqualification from the Bondi Blue Water Challenge.
All decisions of the race committee will be considered absolute and final.