Rip to River runners return to Ocean Grove in droves

RT Edgar Rip to River Classic winners for 2022 Nick Wightman and Sara Coulter at Ocean Grove SLSC. Photos: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

A RUNNER in his 20th Rip to River event and another in her first reigned supreme in the 43rd running of the annual fun run on Tuesday this week.

The RT Edgar Rip to River Classic welcomed back more than 800 men, women, and children to Ocean Grove SLSC as runners took to the sand just before the peak of Tuesday’s hot weather set in.

Local lifesavers were again the unsung heroes of the Rip to River, volunteering their time on the public holiday.

For Ocean Grove runner Nick Wightman, it was a familiar outcome as he snagged an eighth Rip to River win at his 20th running of the 8km event with a time of 32:11, a half-minute ahead of Brett Ellis (32:42) and Ben Kelly (33:27).

However, for Highton resident Sara Coulter, she claimed the win in the women’s category with a time of 39:23 in her first attempt of the run, edging out Danni Rogan (39:57) and Shay Bertino (40:30).

11-year-old Asher Magasanik took home the Ripper Nipper race with a time of 4:54 in front of 13-year-olds Charlie Tudor (5:04) and Mitchell Iannello (5:09).

Ocean Grove main beach was often packed before races commenced.

Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach (1:13:16) smashed her event to secure the win in the 10km Walk, just ahead of Aaron Lake’s 1:15:29 time.

Matthew Holdich rounded out the winners on the day by claiming first place in the 5km Run with his time of 18:07. Chelsea Saw’s 19:41 time was the fastest among the women.

Rip to River Classic organisers Ocean Grove SLSC thanked its sponsors on the day RT Edgar Bellarine and Live Green Homes, as well as the event’s supporters Active Feet Ocean Grove & Geelong and Move Beyond.

Eight-time winner Nick Wightman crosses the finish line to claim his eighth Rip to River Classic.