Motorists and residents are reminded of changes to traffic conditions in Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs for this weekend’s City2Surf.

More than 80,000 people have registered to take part in one of the world’s largest runs from the city to Bondi Beach on Sunday (9 August 2015).

Police will launch Operation Northcove to ensure the safety and security of City2Surf participants, spectators and volunteers, and minimise the impact of the event of the community.

The high-visibility operation will be in place at the start and finish areas and along the race route, and involves officers from across Central Metropolitan Region, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Dog Unit, Mounted Unit, and Police Transport Command.

Operation Northcove Commander, Superintendent Allan Sicard, said police and other Government agencies have been working closely with event organisers to ensure a safe and secure event.

“City2Surf has been one of Sydney’s favourite winter events for more than 40 years and our priority is to ensure it is safe for the tens of thousands of runners this year,” Supt Sicard said.

“There will be significant road closures in Sydney’s CBD and throughout the Eastern Suburbs, but we are striving to minimise the impact on residents and the wider community.

“There will be road closures from 3.30am in Sydney’s CBD at the start lines on College, William, and Park Streets, and from 4.30am on Macquarie Street and Prince Albert and St James Roads.

“The roads on the rest of the race route through to Bondi Beach will close from 7am.”

The route follows William Street to New South Head Road; right onto Old South Head Road; left into Military Road and onto Campbell Parade; and left into Queen Elizabeth Drive, before finishing at Bondi Beach.

Roads should start reopening in the CBD, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and Edgecliff about midday, while all other roads in the Eastern Suburbs will remain closed until 4pm.

City2Surf participants and spectators are also reminded Bondi Beach and Bondi Park are alcohol-prohibited areas, which will be enforced by police.

“In addition, we will have officers in around the finish line at Bondi throughout the day to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime,” Supt Sicard said.

Motorists are also reminded to carefully check signage before parking their car – particularly late on Saturday night.

“Special event clearways will be in place in the CBD between 1am and midday and between 1am and 4pm in the Eastern Suburbs on Sunday,” Supt Sicard said.

“Vehicles left in special event clearways – even those with local parking permits – will be towed and fees apply.”

For all special event traffic information, including road closures, clearways and cycleway closures, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

“Don’t forget, travel on the public transport network is free for competitors, and it is the best option to get to and from the City2Surf,” Supt Sicard said.

“While road closures are in place, there will be changes to a number of bus services between the CBD and Eastern Suburbs, so allow a little extra time and check to make sure your stop is still on the route.

“Sydney Buses are running additional services from Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction at the end of the race to help get everyone home.

“We will have officers from Police Transport Command patrolling the Bondi Junction public transport interchange to keep the area safe,” Supt Sicard said.

Visit www.transportnsw.info to plan your trip on trains, buses, ferries and light rail. There are also a number of real-time apps to track your service.

Supt Sicard also reminded runners to avoid the crowds at the City2Surf Fitness & Health Expo, by attending today, or expect delays tomorrow.

“Our best advice is to arrive at the Expo early to pick-up your bib and drop off your finish line gear,” Supt Sicard said.

“This year, the gear drop-off service will be limited on the day of the race, but it can easily be checked-in with event staff at the Expo for delivery to the finish line.

“By planning ahead, you can make your trip to the expo and the lead-up to the race less stressful,” Supt Sicard said.

All City2Surf information can be found on the official website: www.city2surf.com.au.