Heart and sole City-Bay trio

Fifty years ago, they were young men in their prime, for whom the 12km from the city to the Bay was little more than a walk in the park.

In a few weeks’ time, Tony Heard, Gil McIntosh and Peter Jenner will be back at the starting line again – their minds just as able as they were all those years ago. But their bodies… not so much.

Just as the event celebrates its 50th edition on September 15 this year, Mr Heard, now 81, and Mr McIntosh, 74 will also celebrate running for the 50th time.

Mr Jenner, 66, has also entered the 49 previous City-Bays, but a medical emergency on the eve of last year’s race meant he was a late withdrawal.

Mr Heard was in the air force at Edinburgh when a member of his running group suggested they sign up for the first event in 1973. “The City-Bay is just ideal, because of the amount of people that over the years have built up – it’s just a lot of fun,” Mr Heard said.

Entering the City-Bay is a family affair for Mr McIntosh. His wife Margaret will enter her 41st event this year. Peter Jenner saw a newspaper advertisement for the first City-Bay when he was 16. It was his first organised run and a prelude to a long running during which he became state champion road racer.

Tens of thousands of runners and walkers are expected to turn out for this year’s Lumary City-Bay, supported by the Sunday Mail. Early bird ends at midnight tonight – last chance to register for $50.

Written by Paul Ashenden – Sunday Mail