PM's steep race to the top

Swapping his infamous red budgie smugglers for running shorts, Prime Minister Tony Abbott started his Sunday running in Sydney's north.

The nation's leader joined the 50-plus age group at the Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn, a 420m charity race that raises funds for children's health services.

He ran up the unforgiving Awaba St hill, not coming in first but making it over the line gasping for air with hands waving in jubilation.

After a quick outfit change Mr Abbott presented trophies to race group winners and started the parent and child race in front of the picturesque Balmoral Beach.

"As parents all of us want to give our kids the best," he told the crowd.

"And as parents and families we are helping our kids to get the best as a result of today's event."