Runners prepare for Tim Gates Classic

HUNDREDS of people are expected to take to the sand at Fairhaven Beach this weekend in the Tim Classic.

Taking place this Sunday, January 12, the event is headed into its 14th year and held in memory of Tim Gates, who lost his life at Fairhaven beach.

For this year’s event, his daughter, Sarah Gates, has taken over the reins, organising the classic for the first time.

The event officially began in 2012, although in the years beforehand, people would gather on the beach in Tim’s memory to go for a walk.

“Ever since it became this official Tim Gates Classic, we’ve been so happy with the turn out each year and the support that it’s got from the community,” Ms Gates said.

“It’s always just been a nice opportunity to reflect and talk about dad and for those people who didn’t even know him, it’s not necessarily about that, but more about getting together with friends and people from the community.”

 

Runners will have the choice of completing the 10km run or 5km walk/run along the beach.

Former Collingwood player and coach Nathan Buckley will be at the starting line for this year’s classic, setting runners off at 4pm.

“I’m personally very excited about that because my dad was a keen Collingwood supporter and it feels quite fitting to have him start the race,” Ms Gates said

All funds raised from the event will go towards the Fairhaven SLSC, helping them with equipment and education to continue operating on the beach.

“Dad was really involved with the surf club and he had a real passion for surf lifesaving, and I think he probably noticed a bit of a downturn in people getting involved.

“He was really passionate about getting youth really interested in surf lifesaving and giving them the skills and things they needed to be able to work in the surf, doing the role of a surf life saver or in competitive surf lifesaving as well.”

Following the race, live music, food and drinks will be available at the surf club.

For more information and to register for the event, head to fairhavenslsc.org