City to Surf going 'retro' to celebrate 40th year

• Runners urged to embrace 'retro' dress theme to mark 40 years of event

• More than 45,000 people expected

• Supported by the State Government through Tourism WA

Runners and walkers in this weekend's Chevron City to Surf for Activ are being encouraged to dress in their finest 'retro' fancy dress gear to celebrate the event's 40th birthday.

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said participants, including several from overseas, would compete for a share of the $100,000 prize money, including $20,000 each for the winners of the men's and women's marathons.

"From its humble beginnings in 1975 as a 12-kilometre fun run with 500 competitors, the event has evolved into the biggest community sporting event in this State," Mrs Harvey said.

The State Government supports the 2014 City to Surf through Tourism WA.

The marathon, introduced in 2009, is one of the most scenic in the world, with the 42km course taking runners past some of Perth's key landmarks including the Swan River, Kings Park and the Indian Ocean.

The City to Surf also includes the 21km half-marathon, 12km walk-run and four kilometre run-walk-wheelchair.

Participants are encouraged to use public transport to and from the event, with ticket prices included in their race entry fees.

The race will be broadcast live on Channel Nine Perth from 8am to 10.30am.

       Fact File

• The 40th Chevron City to Surf for Activ will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2014

• Channel Nine Perth will broadcast live from 8am to 10.30am, with a highlights show from 5.30pm to 6pm that evening

• About 540,000 people have taken part and more than 10.7 million kilometres have been run/walked over the past 39 years

• More information at http://perth.perthcitytosurf.com

Minister's office - 6552 5900