The City to Surf annual street run event raised close to $500,000 for people with disabilities in need of support across WA, according to perthcitytosurf.com

Established in 1975, the event proudly announced Chevron as its major sponsor in 2011, marking its 15th year of partnership with Chevron this year.

Runners from different courses gathered at respective starting points, finishing on City Beach Oval with the fun of the finish line carnival filled with entertainment, meets and treats. 

The charity run’s fundraising proceeds will go to one of WA’s largest disability support services, Activ Foundation, that offers care, accommodation and behaviour support services. 

When asked about the figure contributed, Chevron’s media spokesperson said he could not disclose financial information.

While the event promoted inclusion, health and well-being of the community, some have argued that having an oil and gas company backing a charity event poses ethical issues. 

Curtin University Sustainability Professor Peter Newman said Chevron’s involvement and major sponsorship, as a fossil fuel company, is a moral dilemma worth pondering.  

“I don’t think it is healthy to have a fossil fuel company on a project which is meant to be about improving health, like that kind of fun run is, because health is definitely going to be compromised as we face the future of continuing global warming. It is not going to be a whole healthy place to live,” Professor Newman said.  

He said in sponsoring the event, Chevron was trying to get social license and public approval to keep on extracting oil and gas from WA. He thought digging in like this was cynical and short-sighted.

Yet for those who were on the track, the event acted as a yearly ritual of community connection and shared purpose.

Manning Park Trail Runners Club founder and City to Surf participant Clint Slomp ran for his passion, mental health and community connection.

“When I got into my early thirties, the body sort of couldn’t keep up with the mind. I got a few injuries playing football and team sports, and I needed something else to keep my mind stimulated, and I found myself into running. It was a very individual sport. I’d always played team sports growing up, so I created a club here called the Manning Park Trail Runners.”

When asked about his thoughts on Chevron’s sponsorship, Slomp said running to him was all about the enjoyment and supporting his fellow runners.

“I don’t like to get into the political stuff, I just like being social and just enjoying the environment.

“I like supporting stuff with mental health. I’ve had some mental health challenges in my past, and I definitely find that running is a good outlet for mental health.

“It’s great to see everyone out there and just getting everyone together. Running is a good sport, but it’s so much more fun when you get with your friends. Everyone’s free to have their own opinions, and I just keep mine to myself.”