About 3000 people braved a chilly morning to take part in this year’s ICC Surf to City. 

Clear blue skies greeted runners, walkers, and cyclists as they headed to the 12km, 6km, and 3km start lines of the Sport Southland-run event.

And while temperatures were cold in the early hours of Sunday, they climbed into the mid 20s as the day progressed. 

Sport Southland chief executive Brendon McDermott said he was thrilled with the turnout this year, for what is Southland’s largest participation event.

Families, corporate teams, friends, and sporting groups all took on the challenge. 

"This event is a great way to encourage people to be active, and the fantastic thing is that it is accessible to people of all abilities," McDermott said. 

"We've had people in wheelchairs, people with low vision, families biking, walking or running together.

"We've had people from different cultures, it’s a fantastic way to bring our community together, have some fun, and show how much fun being physically active can be." 

A carnival atmosphere greeted participants as they crossed the finish line, with food vendors, children’s activities, musical entertainment from Invercargill band Triple Shot, and spot prizes helping add to the excitement.