What's on in Sydney, May 2011

Wondering what's on in Sydney in May 2011? Here are some events you should join, whether by participating or just watching: the halfmarathon, the writers' festival or a famous musical.

The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon

whats on in sydney may 2011 - half marathon

If you are into running, this is one event you shouldn't miss. The annual half marathon (21.5 km) race is raising money for charities.

In 2011 it is on May 15, and attracts huge crowds and over 11,000 runners.

The race starts at 6.45 am near Hyde Park, takes you onto Macquarie street, past the Hyde Park Barracks Museum and the Parliament House. Then head to The Rocks where you can see the Opera on your right and continue your run under the Bridge.

From there, make your way past Darling Harbour, turn via Pyrmont Street and go back round the northern part of the City, towards the Art Gallery Road, into the Royal Botanic Gardens, past Mrs Macquarie's Chair with the beautiful views of the Farm Cove.

Then back into the City, past St Mary's Cathedral and into Hyde Park, where you started. You're done when you reach the Archibald Fountain in the park.

What's on in Sydney in May - The Writers' Festival

Not into running? How about writing? Or at least reading? The writers' festival has some exciting venues to keep you interested in literature, poetry, conversations or workshops.

The festival brings together Australian and international authors, really interesting and inspirational people, whether philosophers, journalists, Pulitzer Prize winning authors, emerging writers or activists. One example is the evening with the French Colombian activist Ingrid Betancourt, who was kidnapped and held captive for six years.

It happens at Walsh Bay, between 16 - 22 May 2011. There are other venues in the City, such as the Customs House, the NSW State Library, the Powerhouse Museum, City Recital Hall, Town Hall and various suburbs of the Greater Sydney.