Runners ready to rip

HUNDREDS of beach racers will return to Ocean Grove as the town’s famous Rip to River run makes its live return.

Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (OGSLSC) are predicting around 800 competitors to make the start line for this year’s event on Monday, December 27, which is the 42nd edition of what club officials believe is the oldest continuous fun run in Australia.

The Rip to River went virtual last year amid COVID restrictions as racers posted their times online after completing their circuits in a designated time window.

But OGSLSC administrator Anna McDonald said the volunteer club was hopeful for a bumper year of its major fundraiser when it hits Ocean Grove beach again on Monday.

“We’re unsure how the final numbers will be because of such unusual times. The registrations have come flooding in the last couple of days,” she said.

“But hopefully it’s a really strong one now that people are able to get back together for major events.

“The surf club isn’t government funded, we do our own fundraising and memberships that sustain our club, and this event is one of the main incomes for us.”

The Rip to River has four separate races on its card; the 10km classic run, 10km walk, 5km beach run and 1.4km Ripper Nipper.

The 10km events begin from Point Lonsdale Beach, while shorter races start at Ocean Grove Main Beach.

This year’s races will also have later start times due to low tides, with the starter’s gun firing at 9.30am and 10am.

COVIDSafe protocols including mask wearing on buses and double-vaccination requirements will be in place.

OGSLSC has encouraged competitors to register online at the club’s website, but in-person registrations will be available on the day.

RT Edgar is a major sponsor of the Ocean Grove Rip to River.