Fifty Runs, One Passion: The Inspiring Journey of Tony Heard and Gil Mcintosh

The City-Bay Fun Run stands as one of the most iconic events in South Australia, attracting thousands of participants each year. But for two exceptional individuals, this event represents more than just a yearly challenge – it’s a passion they’ve pursued relentlessly. Meet Tony Heard and Gil Mcintosh, two inspiring participants who have conquered the monumental feat of completing all 50 City-Bay Fun Runs. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with them to learn about their incredible journey, the highs and lows of participating in every event, and what drives them to continue setting new goals. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone simply curious about the power of perseverance, their stories are sure to inspire and motivate you.

You have officially run all 50 City-Bays! How does it feel to hit this milestone?
It is very hard to describe the feeling of reaching the finish line after 50 official years of running down Anzac Highway. At the age of 81, turning the corner and seeing the finish line was a whole lot different from all those previous years. The first thing that comes to mind is, “Hell, I’ve made it.” Heading to the timing mat, I stomped on it and said, “Gotcha.” After cooling down, it was then that I realized, “My God, that’s 50 years I’ve done this,” and I became quite emotional for some time. The next thing was to check that my friend and comrade Gil McIntosh, who has also done 50 City-Bays, had made it to the finish. We celebrated with a cool drink, a sandwich, and lots of reminiscing.
– Tony Heard

• Looking back to your very first City-Bay, did you ever imagine you’d still be running it 50 years later?
• It was a last-minute decision to run the very first City-Bay, so I certainly held no aspirations regarding a 50th! To be honest, I wouldn’t have given much thought to any future events, but once I’d done a few it was locked in as must do!
• – Gil Mcintosh

What has changed the most about the event since you first started?
What has changed the most about the event since I started is, firstly, the number of participants. Next would be the various locations of the finish. Then came the introduction of the electronic timing chip, followed by the carnival and promotional activities at the finish on Colley Reserve, which has now expanded to Wigley Reserve.
– Tony Heard

• Do you have a favourite memory from your 50 City-Bay runs? 
• Last year’s 50th has given me my favourite memory to appreciate. My brother and son joined me, as did my running neice who travelled from Keith to do it, while my wife who has done over 40 was joined by our two grandchildren in the 6k event.
• – Gil Mcintosh

What inspired you to participate in the very first City-Bay, and what has motivated you to keep coming back every year?
Running started at school and continued until I joined the RAAF. It then became a regular activity, combined with football and squash tournaments to keep fit. When the first City-Bay was advertised, our regular running group thought it sounded like a nice challenge, so we decided to enter. That’s how I got started. With the success of the first year’s run and the enthusiasm of Bob Clarke to make it an annual event in South Australia, I was signed up as soon as the date was announced. For me, over the next few years, this became an even bigger challenge to get faster each year. The training started earlier each year, and those valuable seconds kept coming off. The number of participants kept growing, and so for me, the run became an annual ritual.
– Tony Heard

• Do you have any pre-race rituals or traditions that you’ve kept up over the years?
• Pre-race is very simple. Park a couple of kms away and walk in!
• – Gil Mcintosh

What does being part of such a long-standing community event mean to you?
It is a great feeling to be part of such an enormous community event. The huge support I have from the Race Director, Joe Stevens OAM, gives me that great feeling of belonging to this wonderful community. Over the years, I’ve joined Premiers, Lord Mayors, Councillors, and many other notable people. Officials have retired, and new ones have joined. Because of the publicity, I’ve met most of these notables. Once again, it’s an event I cannot miss.
– Tony Heard

• What’s one thing about the event that has stayed the same after all these years? 
• While the start and finish areas have altered a bit, the backbone of the journey has never changed, although sometimes I have felt the highway has stretched a bit!
• – Gil Mcintosh

Do you have any advice for new participants who are considering joining for the first time?
My advice to all is to have a go. It is very satisfying and a big achievement to finish the City-Bay, no matter what time you record. If you don’t want to beat last year’s time, just have fun. My days of running with every second counting are over. Now, it’s the fun run that is advertised, and it is fabulous.
– Tony Heard

• What’s the biggest lesson running the City-Bay for 50 years has taught you? 
• The key lesson from doing this 12km event every year is to always be prepared well enough to manage the challenge safely and without undue risk. It can then be rewarding and somewhat enjoyable.
• – Gil Mcintosh

Will we see you back on the start line in 2025?
Will I be back in 25? You bet, if I am upright.
– Tony Heard

• Do you have any personal goals for your future City-Bay runs? 
• I am looking forward to version 51, after which I will look to 52, and so on. You can only do one a year, so that’s always the one to focus on.
• – Gil Mcintosh