Rip to River

From "The Rip" at Point Lonsdale lighthouse, the course heads along the beach toward Ocean Grove’s main beach by the Barwon River. It has the feel of a traditional surf beach run: local, sandy, a bit wind-in-your-face, and tied closely to the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club. The main course is a challenging run on a "pristine hard sand stretch," so it should feel quick in places but still honest underfoot. Runners and walkers turn up in large numbers, with younger competitors getting their own "fun Ripper Nipper race." The best quirk is also the best reason to enter: it is the club’s largest fundraiser, helping keep beach safety and community programs running.