City to Surf

26 August 2007

Some of the Rio Tinto City to Surf participants

Icy wind and rain didn't deter a 700-strong team of Rio Tinto employees and their families in the annual City to Surf race from the Perth CBD to City Beach.

From serious runners to walkers with prams, the team raised almost $18,000 for the Activ Foundation through its participation.

Despite the poor weather, a record 25,101 people took part in the City to Surf. Although most Rio Tinto team members were from Perth, an impressive number had made the journey from far-flung corners of the State to participate.

Long-serving employee, Dawn Nelson, took part in her twelfth City to Surf with the Rio Tinto team this year. Every year, Dawn takes along her sister and was this year joined by her daughter, Adele, who recently joined Rio Tinto Expansion Projects.

"I really enjoy being part of the team and it's a good opportunity to fundraise for a worthy cause," says Dawn.

"As my children are grown up now, this is my one opportunity in the year to involve members of my family in a Rio Tinto event.

"We set ourselves a time of about an hour and fifty minutes to finish the race. We always end up jogging the last bit to make it!

"City to Surf has grown enormously since we started 12 years ago, but I'm always amazed to see the same supporters out on the side of the track each year. It really is a fun event.

"I'll definitely be back next year," she said.