Daily Telegraph - 22 October 2011

 

 

© Daily Telegraph

Lauren McAlister lace up their walking shoes and hit the pavement for the Seven Bridges Walk next weekend they won't have to look far for the inspiration to keep going. The annual trek around seven of Sydney Harbour's landmark bridges encourages walkers to raise money for the Cancer Council NSW by taking on the 27km course. Sisters Emma and Lauren will make a return trek to the event next Sunday alongside their mum Bernadette, who was diagnosed with skin cancer a decade ago. "We did the Seven Bridges Walk last year with Mum," Emma says. "Mum loves exercising and being healthy; really, we're doing it in support of her." Established five years ago, the Seven Bridges event has enticed 45,000 walkers to make their way around the Harbour while raising $400,000 for charity. step out for a cause The course runs clockwise around the Harbour taking in spectacular views from Sydney Harbour Bridge, Pyrmont Bridge and Anzac Bridge. Recent changes to the Iron Cove Bridge mean this year walkers will use the new, separate pedestrian path that runs alongside the traffic. Then once you're over Gladesville Bridge, there are only Tarban Creek Bridge and Fig Tree Bridge to go until you're back at the Coathanger. If 27km is too daunting, fear not. Participants can start at any of the seven villages located between the bridges and walk. When your feet have had enough, jump on one of the free event buses running from Milsons Point in both directions throughout the day "We did from Wollstone craft, around to Hunters Hill, along the Harbour Bridge and Anzac Bridge last year," Emma says. "We hope to do the whole thing this year. "It definitely is an experience to be able to walk over the Harbour Bridge. Walking from bridge to bridge is an experience in itself." The villages in The Rocks, Pyrmont, Rozelle, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Wollstonecraft and Milsons Point will provide welcome respite for walkers, with food, drinks and entertainment on offer. Those planning on completing the course are advised to start before noon to make it around the Harbour before the villages close at 4.30pm. And Emma has advice for first-time Seven Bridges walkers. "Take a lot of water and just have fun get your family out there and enjoy the day," she says. mathesonm@dailytelegraph.com.au twitter @Mel Matheson Seven Bridges Walk, start at The Rocks, Pyrmont, Rozelle, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Wollstonecraft or Milsons Point; October 30, 7.30am-4.30pm, online registration $15, on the day $20, 7bridgeswalk.com.au

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