Major roads in the Sydney CBD are reopening after tens of thousands of people defied their Matildas hangovers to hit the pain barrier on Heartbreak Hill during the annual City2Surf charity run.
Sydney's clear winter weather held steady for the event on Sunday, with cloudy skies but no showers around to dampen the spirits of the more than 80,000 runners involved.
Matilda's scarves, monkey suits, giant crabs, Chinese dragons and other inventive costumes were on display, some obviously selected for visual appeal over their ease of mobility or ventilation.
The fun-runners took their places alongside more serious competitors, with the carnival atmosphere stretching from the starting gun at Hyde Park through to the finishing line at Bondi Beach in the city's east.
Coming in first for the men was Ed Goddard with a time of 41 minutes and 30 seconds, while Niamh Allen was the first woman across the line in a time of 47 minutes and 29 seconds.
More than 250 people dressed up as Wonder Woman to run the 14km route, with Sydneysiders Caroline Stevenson and Sarah Foley behind an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as the iconic superhero.
"We have chosen Wonder Woman as symbolic of women but we’d also love to include men," Ms Foley said.
"It’s a celebration and coming together of a group of strong wonder women."
Ms Foley is living with a brain tumour and is due to start her cancer treatment on Monday, but took part to raise funds for the Cure Brain Cancer charity.
"We hope to fundraise and create some media attention to the cause," Ms Foley said.
About $2.5 million of the $3 million target was raised for charity ahead of Sunday's run.
Other charity events raised more than $2.8 million for Beyond Blue, RUOK, First Nations Foundation and Black Dog.
The race is now in its 53rd year, with 2023's youngest competitor not even six months old while the two oldest were aged 91.
Major roads in the CBD were reopening on Sunday afternoon, with roads along the run route at Bondi Beach to remain closed until 4pm.
