Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club president Chris Paterson said this month’s RT Edgar Rip to River Classic 40th anniversary is a wonderful community club milestone.
The surf club’s biggest annual fundraiser on Saturday 28 December at Ocean Grove main beach, is arguably one of Australia’s longest and most iconic fun runs.
“As one of the oldest runs in the country and our major fundraiser for 40 years – this is a fantastic milestone for the club,” Mr Paterson told the Voice.
“One thing that hasn’t changed is the enjoyment I think everybody gets from running or walking along one of the most stunning pieces of coast in the region.
“It’s a great way to show your support of the club (with partners RT Edgar and AWA Alliance with our) community organisation and emergency service.”
Mr Paterson confirmed the transformation from analogue to digital times was a big addition during the last four decades of the prestigious local community event.
“From the old days of the analogue stopwatch that we used to have to ferry down the beach from the start to the finish, before the first runner to the restructuring of the course (which) now finish(es) back at the Ocean Grove main beach,” he said.
The 10km run/walk, which begins at 7.30am and 7am, starts near Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and takes competitors along the pristine sands to the mouth of Barwon River then back to OGSLSC.
The 5km run starts at 7am and the 1.4km ‘Ripper Nipper’ ages 7-13 begins at 7.30am and start and finish at Ocean Grove main beach.
Funds from the RT Edgar 40th Rip to River Classic fundraiser will help fit out of the new OGSLSC facilities and purchase vital lifesaving equipment.
Entries can be done via registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=36528, while competitors can collect their race bibs and complete registrations on Friday 27 December between 4pm and 7pm at OGSLSC.
LOCAL Ocean Grove runner Nick Wightman was crowned a six-time winner at last summer’s 10km Rip to River Classic in 33:26.
