Registration period closing for 2025 Pier to Pub

THE annual splendour of fun and excitement that is the 1.2km Pier to Pub swim is only weeks away, with locals and visitors alike counting down the days until the famous race takes place on the Surf Coast in 2025.

Lorne Surf Life Saving Club will again be the base of operations for the famous open water event, welcoming back thousands of swimmers and tens of thousands of spectators on Saturday, January 11.

The 2025 event will also be the 45th time the swim has taken place, led by the dedicated volunteers from the local lifesaving club, which has been the case since the opening year.

“Our goal is to offer a safe, inclusive, and memorable experience that showcases Lorne, the dedication of our lifesaving volunteers, and the inspiring enthusiasm of our community,” Lorne SLSC president and local Heath Armstrong said.

“These events continue to raise awareness for water safety and to sustain our club’s vital work.”

Marquee athletes have already confirmed their attendance for next month’s swim.

Leading the pack of favourites is returning open women’s champion Lani Pallister who will compete for her sixth consecutive win in the “Superfish” category.

 

The average finish time for participants is 22 minutes, more than double the record of 10 minutes and two seconds completed by Sam Sheppard in 2016 in the open men’s category.

The Pier to Pub continues to be the largest open-water swim in Australia, and is expected to draw more 5,000 competitors and more than 25,000 spectators to the small coastal town.

New race director Peter Williamson said the event has a significant impact on the local community.

“These aren’t just races, they’re a testament to the dedication and passion of the Lorne community and our surf club.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming participants of all abilities and celebrating the people involved that make these events so special.”

The Pier to Pub is not only for elite athletes. It extends an open invitation to swimmers of all levels, with the program dividing swimmers into age group fields and waves.

The weekend begins with the Mountain to Surf 8km trail run on January 10.

To register before January 3, head to lornesurfclub.com.au