Rip to River ready to roll for 43rd year

MORE than 600 participants are expected to take part in 43rd edition of Australia’s longest-running ‘Fun Run’ next Tuesday (December 27).

The 2022 Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) RT Edgar Rip to River will welcome runners and walkers from across the state, as participants prepare to race from Point Lonsdale Lighthouse to the Ocean Grove side of the Barwon River.

Ocean Grove SLSC administrator and RT Edgar Rip to River lead organiser Anna McDonald said early registration numbers indicate an increase in participation compared to previous years due to the pandemic.

“We’ve been constrained by COVID-19 the last few editions so we are really excited that this will be our first sort of ‘normal’ event in a few years,” Ms McDonald said.

“We were able to run it last year and virtually before that in 2020 which was tricky and that led to somewhat low numbers as a result.

“But this year we have really strong indicators of early registrations for what will be a really big race.”

Ms McDonald conservatively estimates around 600 runners will return to the event next Tuesday.

In addition to the main 10km run, participants have the option to take part in either the 10km Walk, 5km Beach Run, or 1.4km Ripper Nipper races.

The RT Edgar Rip to River, held every summer, is Ocean Grove SLSC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, requiring a lot of effort from club members to make the day possible.

“We pull on a lot of volunteers to make the day work,” Ms McDonald added.

“Anywhere from 60 to 80 members who become part of the organisational facets of the event.”

RT Edgar Bellarine will accompany the event as naming rights sponsor for a fourth year, a partnership the Ocean Grove-based business takes great pride in each summer.

“We really are a company that loves to invest back into the community and surf lifesaving is a large part of our community,” RT Edgar Bellarine director Tanya Ladyman said.

“The Rip to River is a great fundraiser for the Ocean Grove SLSC so for us to be a part of that is a great honour and falls directly in line with what we aim to do at RT Edgar.”

Check ins and bib collections will take place at Point Lonsdale SLSC for all 10km race/walk participants. Five-kilometre athletes can check-in at Ocean Grove SLSC.

Harry Smithers is the reigning winner from the 2021 Rip to River, following his time of 32:01.

For all registration enquiries, head to www.oceangroveslsc.asn.au/events/rip-to-river/