Cole Classic and Sun Run events saved after Channel Nine’s exit
Since Nine’s $3b takeover of Fairfax Media, the survival of community events like Manly’s Cole Classic were left up in the air... Until now.
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Australia’s second largest ocean swim has been saved by the Manly Life Saving Club after Nine pulled out when it merged with Fairfax in 2018.
The Manly club announced the Cole Classic open water swim will continue in February 2020, along with the Sun Run which will be run by Northern Beaches Council.
Mayor Michael Regan said it was important for the events to continue locally.
“The Cole Classic, and in more recent times the Sun Run, are iconic events on the
northern beaches sporting calendar,” he said.
“Named after local identity Graham Cole, the Cole Classic is one of the largest ocean
swims in Australia. The two events bring thousands of elite and social competitors to Manly, and our local economy benefits.”
Manly Life Saving Club president Chris Bell said he hopes the Cole Classic continues to flourish as it has since 1982.
“It’s a unique event which showcases Manly and attracts people from all over Sydney,” Mr Bell said.
“It’s important to keep up the momentum up and to promote health and wellbeing in the community. The Cole Classic has options for everyone with a 1km swim, a 2km swim and a 5km swim.”
He said the club expects a big turn out for the 2020 event.
“We’re expecting between 4000 and 5000 entrants. Last year we had about 200 surf life savers working at the event and every year we get people singing up to become surf life savers afterwards. It’s a good way to see how we work.”
When people sign up to the event they have the option to donate funds to a charity.
“It’s also a great opportunity for people to raise money for a good cause. Last year we raised $210,000.”
In previous years, high profile Australians have been spotted competing in the event including former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
The Cole Classic starts at Shelly Beach and finishes at the southern end of Manly Beach.
The Sun Run is staged from Dee Why to Manly, with seven kilometre and
10 kilometre options.
Entries are set to open this month.