The year 1983 was big for the Canberra Times Fun Run, with a record breaking 5765 people registering for the annual event. This was a huge jump up from the previous years 2761 participants. Territories Minister Tom Uren said he believed the increase in entrants was due to the influence of "that wonderful athlete Robert de Castella". Uren fired the starting gun for the run which kicked off at the Tradesmans Club in Phillip and finished up in Commonwealth Park.
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In 1983, the focus was on ensuring the safety of the record breaking number of entrants with organisers taking every precaution to ensure joggers and walkers of all levels and standards were catered for. One ambulance followed the participants along the course, with another stationed at the finish. Crossing the finish line first was Steve Austin who completed the run in 28 minutes, nine seconds. Jillian Pratten of Curtin was the first female to finish with a time of 34 minutes, one second.
All those able to finish the run in 90 minutes or less were in the draw to win a Ford Laser GL sedan, donated by Brian Pollock Motors. The lucky winner was Bruce Goodwin of Higgins who finished the run in 42 minutes, 46 seconds.
