Virtual Pier to Pub to bring much-needed positivity

THIS year’s Lorne Pier to Pub will be like no other as the event goes virtual.

While it will be different, deputy race director Tina Westacott believes it has never been more important to hold the iconic event given the difficult year many people endured.

Ms Westacott said while hosting the normal event – which saw about 5,000 competitors and 20,000 spectators attend last year – was not possible in 2020, having it remain on the calendar was crucial to those long-time competitors.

She said it would provide all involved with a goal to work towards and inevitably celebrate in an otherwise tough year.”This year is not so much about the time, it’s about getting out there, training, staying fit and having fun with it.

“We’ve got to be positive about it because we’ve had such a tough year.”

Entries for the race, and the Mountain to Surf run, open on November 2.

The virtual product will see competitors swim (1.2km) or run (8km) the same length of course, but do so anywhere in the world. Times can be submitted from November 3 to January 14, which allows the opportunity to continually try to better your initial time throughout this period.

Ms Westacott was excited by the possibilities this opened up for people who otherwise would not be able to make it to Lorne.

“It’s exciting; we hope all competitors will send in their stories of where they’re doing it and how they’re doing.

“For those that can’t make it to Lorne at that time of the year, it opens it up for them, as well as internationals.”

This event will count towards the Sharkbait Club. Members of this club have swum in at least 10 Pier to Pubs, with medals handed out for every 10th swim. This will be the 41st running of the event, with three competitors boasting the impressive feat of 40 swims.

Both events cost $10 to enter, or you can also enter for $45 and receive a T-shirt and swimcap.

For more details, head to lornesurfclub.com.au