Swim and run go digital

JAN JUC SLSC has announced the Danger 1000 and Bells Bash Cliff Run will be virtual events.

Both are important fundraisers for the Jan Juc SLSC which has not been able to organise any of its normal events this year due to COVID.

Event director Brad Papworth said the club needed to minimise the COVID risks while still generating much-needed revenue following the huge renovation.

“It was a big decision to make, but there were just too many risks,” he said.

“They’re our biggest fundraisers for the year, so it’s left a massive hole in our budget and our projected revenue.” To compete in the re-imagined event, aptly titled ‘Virtually Dangerous 2021’, swimmers and runners will enter online, run or swim the required distance anywhere, anytime between January 1 and January 26.

All entrants will receive a special t-shirt to celebrate the unique event.

“It would be amazing if people could jump on and still support us,” Papworth said.

“We understand that it probably won’t be exactly the same, but we hope the spirit will still run through,” he said.

“We hope that people far and wide can support the events and bring much-needed funds for our volunteer community service and have fun along the way.”

All money raised from the event will go toward keeping volunteer patrols on the beach at Jan Juc, which in turn will keep the community and visitors safe this summer.

The event will be added to Strava, which means people who visit the area can record their swim or run on the actual event courses.

“This year is about steadying the ship and making sure we are in good position for the next 12 to 18 months,” he said.