Pier to Pub sells out

ENTRIES to next year’s Pier to Pub have sold out, with another mix of Olympians, AFL footballers, local talent, veterans, grandparents and debutants to take part in Australia’s largest open water race.

Queensland teenagers Hayden Cotter and Lani Pallister were the first Juniors to win the “Superfish” open event when they triumphed last year, and also the first to win both the Juniors and Open categories in the one day. Both will be back to defend their titles on January 12.

Along with the traditional 1.2 kilometre swim, the Lorne 5000 returns for another year, with ocean swimmers from around the country testing themselves over five kilometres.

“It is terrific to see such wonderful support for our historic event, one that is pivotal in raising funds to help keep the Lorne beach safe and the surf club saving lives,” Race Director John Takac said.

“We greatly appreciate the fact that so many people look forward to the swim and run year in year out and once again we are incredibly proud to have the traditional swim sold out.

“Our club continues to promote health and fitness, and we look forward to hosting 5,000 swimmers and their families and friends who inject enormous funds into the township.

Thanks to our great new sponsors as well, with the whole Surfcoast benefitting and the weekend creating a wonderful atmosphere for the region.”

As the award-winning event closes in on its fifth decade Lorne SLSC has seen a boost in sponsorship, including Land Rover and Asahi.

On the Friday morning before the big swim (January 11) the Mountain to Surf takes centre stage with runners chasing the clock through the hinterland and Great Ocean Road.