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We can’t help you train, we can’t push you through the pain, but we can provide beautiful respite after you tackle the 80km Bondi to Manly Ultra race.

When the starter’s gun cracks at 5am this Saturday, 25th October, and the first wave of runners departs Bondi Beach for the journey to Manly Beach, the famous finish line will call like a siren song, offering sustenance, relaxation and rejuvenation.

So book a room, a massage and a dinner venue in Manly for the perfect end to the race that celebrates Sydney and its glorious harbour.

Where to rejuvenate

Image courtesy of Manly Chamber

For the front-runners who arrive into Manly during business hours, you might want to get started on your revitalisation immediately, while if you’re at the back of the pack and pushing into the evening you’ll probably be happy simply to grab a bite to eat and hit the pillow (see below) and wait till the following morning to treat your aching body.

Depending on your physical needs, SahSin Body has a team of talented therapists including physiotherapists, chiropractors, naturopaths and massage therapists, while Ingboon Massage & Day Spa offers revitalisation with a Thai deep tissue massage.

Head to Aqua Vitae for a soothing hydrotherapy bath, indulge in the ancient healing tradition of a hot stone massage at Chakana Day Spa or allow Bare Beauty House to treat you to a rejuvenating body wrap.

If you like your recovery session with a dose of celebration, head to Hotel Steyne for their Bondi to Manly Ultra After Party complete with ice baths, massage chairs and live music. It’s also the perfect place to watch the finish line, whether you’re a competitor or a spectator.

Where to eat and drink

The list of food and beverage options in Manly is as long as the race itself.

Try iconic Hotel Steyne, The Ivanhoe Hotel or Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club for a relaxed meal in a lively environment. For something more refined, pull up a chair at Garfish Manly or Italian restaurant Cibaria. If you’ve only just managed to make the finish line, crawl straight up the ramp into The Pantry on Manly Beach promenade, with its wide-ranging modern Australian menu and amazing ocean views.

For more options see ‘Eat and drink your way around Manly’.

Where to stay

Anywhere with a bed and pillow will probably do the trick after an 80km race, so take your pick from Manly’s range of accommodation types that will satisfy most budgets.

Under the ‘backpacker’ category you have Manly Boardriders in the heart of the village, Stoke Beach House offering private rooms, and Manly Bunkhouse with outdoor courtyard and BBQ facilities.

If a serviced apartment appeals, try Manly Beach Holiday & Executive Apartments or Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments.

But nothing beats a really high-end stay after a really exhausting day. Manly Pacific Hotel and Peppers Manly both offer high-end accommodation with all the luxury hotel accoutrements plus their prime positions overlooking Manly Beach.

Where to support and spectate

Bondi to Manly Ultra
Image courtesy of Bondi to Manly Ultra

Let’s face it, running isn’t for everyone, but supporting and spectating certainly can be, and you won’t even break a sweat.

Since the last leg of the race is a combination of Manly Scenic Walkway and North Head Walk, there’ll be many opportunities to cheer on the competitors. The organisers suggest Clontarf Reserve, Tania Park in Balgowlah Heights, East Esplanade in Manly and Manly Beach as ideal spots to set up a front row seat to the action.

You can also track your friends’ progress during the race and work out when and where to meet them to cheer them on by using the very handy Event App.

The race in detail

Image courtesy of Bondi to Manly Ultra

The Bondi to Manly Ultra is run to fund the preservation and enhancement of the public land and natural environment around Sydney Harbour. It utilises the vast series of existing harbour-side and coastal walking trails between our two most iconic beaches.

Waves of runners will be released from 5am from Bondi Beach, on the beach side of Bondi Pavilion.

The race has three options:

  • Ultra: runners tackle the 80km route solo
  • 2 x 40km relay: Leg 1 – Bondi Beach (40.75km); Leg 2 – Milson Park, North Sydney (41.05km)
  • 4 x 20km relay: Leg 1 – Bondi Beach (19.94km); Leg 2 – Lyne Park, Rose Bay (20.81km); Leg 3 – Milson Park, North Sydney (23.24km); Leg 4 – Clontarf Reserve (17.81km)

The race takes 8-14 hours.

Cut-off time is 7.30pm at Manly Beach

If you’re staying in Manly the night before the race, buses will depart for Bondi Beach at 3.45am from Stand E in Belgrave St.

Good luck to all competitors. And even if your fitness and motivation doesn’t extend to 80, 40 or even 20km, come to Manly to cheer them home and celebrate their incredible achievement.