Dee Why hosted the start of the Mounties Group Half Marathon, part of Beach2Beach, as 6,500 participants helped raise more than $300,000 for local charities.
Community Turns Out In Force
On Sunday, 24 August 2025, organisers and volunteers reported one of the strongest Northern Beaches turnouts in years. Longtime organiser Phil Jackson said it was the most successful Beach2Beach yet, crediting teamwork behind the scenes. First held in 1994 as Pub2Pub, the event has become a fixture for families, schools, and local clubs, with start and finish areas packed with team shirts, student runners, and costumed groups.
Jackson, who runs the event with Ron Allars for more than three decades, praised volunteers, surf clubs, sponsors, and residents along the route and said the result reflects years of work to keep it affordable, safe, and welcoming.
New Half Marathon Lifts Numbers
A half marathon was introduced this year under the Mounties Group banner, adding about 2,000 entrants to the field. Mexico’s Mauricio Mendez won the men’s race in 1:09:27, followed by Jack Johnson in 1:10:34 and Lucus Au in 1:15:50.
Natalea Smith won the women’s race in 1:21:44, with Anna Heath second in 1:26:31 and Jenny Wickham third in 1:27:56. Mendez described the route as beautiful, noting the coastal sections and strong support from spectators.
Course And Suburbs Along The Way
The half marathon began in Dee Why and headed south along Curl Curl Beach before looping near the Harbord Diggers. The course returned to Dee Why, then tracked the coastline to a Newport Beach finish.
Organisers also staged 14 km, 6 km, and 3 km events so families and first-timers could take part. Results for all distances are posted by the event team for anyone wanting to check placings and times.
What Happens Next
Funds from this year’s race will be presented to charities and community groups on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. Organisers said the handover is an important finish line for the event, with local beneficiaries gathering to thank participants, volunteers, and supporters.
The Beach2Beach team plans to build on the new half marathon and keep the focus on safe, family-friendly running from Dee Why to the northern beaches’ coastal hubs.
Published 09-September-2025
