Southlands Surf to City event covers 12 km from Oreti Beach to Queens Park in Invercargill

Donna Brinsdon was back on a bike after 20 years for the Surf to City on Sunday and despite enduring a hard seat for most of the 12 kilometres, she had a ball.

Brinsdon, of Gore, and her aunt, Sharron​ Hanley, rode together and towed the family's dogs - Teddy Bear (shih-tzu King Charles Cavalier) and Pandora Daphne Bear (shih-tzu maltese) - in a mini trailer from the start line at Oreti Beach to the finish in Queens Park.

"We got cheered along the way, people were giving us support ... It was heaps of fun and we'll definitely be doing it next year," Hanley, of Invercargill said.

John Hawkins/Stuff Sharron Hanley, left, her niece, Donna Brinsdon, and their family's dogs travelled on bikes from Oreti Beach to Invercargill in the Surf to City on Sunday.

"The dogs sat in same place the whole way and didn't move."

Hanley and Brinsdon had done no training for the ride.

Hanley said her knees were getting weary travelling past the Invercargill Airport, while the bike seat was Brinsdon's bugbear. Despite a little pain, the pair were committed to finishing their first Surf to City.

John Hawkins/Stuff Graham Dobbs, 63, and wife Sally, 57, competed in the runners' six-kilometre section of the Surf to City.

"It's one of those things you have on your bucket list," Hanley said.

Terry Laidlaw, of Invercargill, and his 4-year-old daughter, Emme, rode three kilometres of the event. Laidlaw competed 15 years ago and decided to try it again and give Emme an outing.

"She enjoyed it ... if she wants to do it again next year, we'll go a bit further [in distance]," he said.

John Hawkins/Stuff Cyclists in the early stages of the Surf to City.

Kara Wandless rode in from the beach on a fluorescent yellow "fixie" bike, which she bought privately for $200 on the side of a road in Wanaka last year. A "fixie" has one gear.

"The last time [I rode in Surf to City] was four years ago and I was 38 weeks pregnant.

The five-member O'Neill family, of Invercargill, split up into bikers and walkers for the event. Kate biked with the children, Finn, 5, and Evie, 7, and their friend, Max Rabbitte, 6.

John Hawkins/Stuff Bill Stevens, 74, ran the Surf to City distance of 12 kilometres in 71 minutes.

Kate's husband, Tim O'Neill, walked with daughter Lottie.

It was the O'Neills' first time at the Surf to City.

"We do a lot of walks around Seaward Bush .... but after today, we might do more biking, Kate said.

John Hawkins/Stuff A parking area for bike riders in Queens Park after the Surf to City.

"We'll be doing this again next year. Absolutely."

While her husband was away oystering, Belinda Mead and their children, Dexter, 8, and Lily, 5, took part in the bike section of the Surf to City.

"I've run it before but biking is easier on the body," Belinda said.

John Hawkins/Stuff Sam Nielsen, left, and Paul Burtenshaw at the start line.

Sport Southland chief executive Brendon McDermott thought between 3000 and 3500 entries were received for this year's Surf to City - a number consistent with recent years. Sport Southland have been the organisers since 2006.

McDermott said he liked seeing people enjoying themselves, especially at the finish line.

"Watching the smiling faces coming across the finish is superb," he said.

John Hawkins/Stuff Surf to City runners on Dunns Road on Sunday.

"This event is for everyone and it brings the community together."

Sport Southland receptionist, Suzie Harrington, said it was noticeable that a lot of families participated this year. Some small children riding bikes had, in previous years, been in pushchairs for the event or on the back of their parent's bike, she added.

One of the oldest entrants was an 88-year-old man who completed the 12-kilometre bike ride.

John Hawkins/Stuff Rachel Heyrick and her mother Rosemary ran the 12 kilometres from Oreti Beach to Queens Park in the Surf to City.

John Hawkins/Stuff Malcolm and Lisa McDonald, from Balfour, rode bikes in the Surf to City.