Former pharmacy owner lauds Pier to Pub return

ONLY a handful of Pier to Pub legends hold the status of Triple Sharkbait (30 races), including former Lorne Pharmacy owner and Lorne resident, Randall Forsyth.

Among the 6,000 expected participants at this year’s Pier to Pub on January 14, Mr Forsyth will continue building his Pier to Pub legacy with his 33rd race.

“I’ve always been a swimmer, I was a school swimmer growing up, training five mornings a week, and you just make friends so easily at swim clubs,” Mr Forsyth said.

“But I’ve always loved open water swims like the Pier to Pub and it just provides a wonderful opportunity for people to reconnect and catch up with old friends. “It’s not just a race, it’s a one-of-a-kind community event for sure.”

After two years of cancellations, Lorne Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) will make its triumphant return to in-person events as the Powercor Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf sweeps through Lorne from January 13-14.

 

The notable 1.2 kilometre Pier to Pub event begins at the renowned Lorne Pier and concludes in front of the Surf Life Saving Club on the second of two days.

The two events expect to bring in 25,000 visitors to Lorne over the weekend, whether it is to compete or cheer from the sidelines.

Mr Forsyth, who sold his pharmacy last month, said in previous years the town comes alive when the Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf arrives.

“It’s amazing to see so many people on the foreshore and the surf club does an amazing job of moving everyone through each day, just seeing all these volunteers working together to make it work, it’s incredible,” he added.

“What sets the event apart is certainly the amount of people it attracts, the vantage points spectators can get to view it, and the concealment Lorne’s landscape provides makes it a wonderful occasion every year.”

On average, the swim takes contestants 22 minutes, with the quickest time being 10 minutes and 30 seconds. However, entrants like Mr Forsyth can make the experience slightly less tiring with an optional wetsuit.

Mr Forsyth’s biggest piece of advice for Pier to Pub first-timers is pasta the night before and two coffees before the race begins.

Three time winners of the Pier to Pub, Lani Pallister and Hayden Cotter have announced they are returning to this year’s competition.

All registration and event information can be found at www.lornesurfclub.com.au