Lovers of nature and active lifestyles will flock to Portsea for one of Victoria's most popular outdoor events this month.
The Portsea Classic will take place from January 20-21, opening on the Friday with the Portsea Bay to Surf. This will be followed by the Portsea Swim Classic on the Saturday.
The Bay to Surf will see 1000 competitors taking on one of three events; a 4.5km walk, a 4.5km run or a 9km run through the national park. The event will start with with the 4.5km walk at 5pm, followed by the two adventure runs. Competitors will commence at Jarman Oval and traverse the national park's scenic coastal roads and trails, finishing at the Portsea Surf Life Saving Club.
Around 3000 competitors will take part in a number of ocean events on the Saturday. Events will include the Mornington Peninsula's most popular ocean water event - the 1.5km Portsea Swim Classic. The 1.5km course starts at the Cutting, close to Portsea Pier, with swimmers crossing Weeroona Bay before heading west around Police Point and along the foreshore of Point Nepean before finishing at Jarman Oval at Quarantine Station in Point Nepean National Park.
More advanced endurance swimmers may prefer to take part in the 2.5km Gold event. Other events will include the 500m Junior Swim Classic for children aged 7-11, the Dash 4 Cash sprint and a 500m mixed event - which will be held for the first time.
Both events are entirely volunteer-led by members of the Portsea Surf Life Saving Club, with all proceeds going towards training programs, lifesaver development, and new equipment for the club.
Portsea Surf Life Saving Club president Matt Mahon said the swim classic had become a major fixture on the Mornington Peninsula calendar and the addition of the Bay to Surf events last year had only added to its appeal.
"With Portsea beaches a destination for many Australians in summer, lifesaving plays a crucial role in protecting swimmers at our beaches," he said.
"The Portsea Classic weekend raises funds for the programs and resources to ensure swimmers are able to enjoy the water while in safe hands."
Registrations for all events are now open. For more information click HERE.
