Running Together: Family, fitness, and reward points at the City to Surf

On our ongoing journey to earn points through our wellness rewards program, my wife and I decided to participate in the iconic City to Surf race. Spanning 14 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach, this race offers not just a chance to earn points, but also an opportunity for a memorable family experience.

A family affair:

Both my wife and I have our own rewards programs, so participating in the City to Surf means we can each earn points. With our children in tow to experience the magnitude and magic, it will become a full, memorable family event.

The cost of participation:

Participating in the City to Surf comes at a surprisingly high cost. Registration was over $100 each for me and my wife, plus $12 postage per entry. Our children's entries were about $40 each. When we calculated the rewards - approximately 500 points each - we had to ask ourselves, is it worth the cost purely from a points perspective? The answer is a clear no. The value of this experience extends far beyond the rewards points.

Beyond the points:

The true value lies in prioritising a healthy lifestyle, the joy of doing something active together as a family and the experince of being part of a huge community charity event and the spirit, camaraderie and meticulaous organisation that goes along with it. It's a fantastic event to mark on our calendar and to strive towards, providing a motivating goal for all olf our fitness routines. Despite the financial cost, the experience and the health benefits are unquestionably worthwhile, (although the cost might prevent this become a family tradition).

A shift in my own fitness plans:

I had planned to participate in the Sydney Half Marathon, but it was unfortunately cancelled. I then set my sights on the full marathon, only to find it sold out when I went to enter. The City to Surf became the sole surviving target to keep my running goals alive. To ensure I still meet my personal fitness milestones, I've also signed up for a half Ironman, which includes a half marathon component.

Participating in the City to Surf may not be the most cost-effective way to earn points in our rewards program, but it offers invaluable benefits. From promoting family bonding and encouraging a healthy lifestyle to providing a goal to work towards, the race is a meaningful addition to our fitness journey. Sometimes, the rewards we seek go beyond points and are found in the shared experiences and personal achievements along the way.