Northern Beaches Council is joining forces with Manly Life Saving Club to deliver the popular Sun Run and Cole Classic in 2020 and beyond.

Fairfax Media previously ran the events but following the merger with the Nine Group in 2018, the two events were ‘gifted’ to Manly Life Saving Club. Consequently, the Sun Run was recently offered to Council.

Mayor Michael Regan said it was important for both events to continue locally.

“The Cole Classic, and in more recent times the Sun Run, are iconic events on the Northern Beaches sporting calendar,” the Mayor said.

“Named after local identity Graham Cole, the Cole Classic is one of the largest ocean swims in Australia, and has been staged annually in Manly since 2005.

“The two events bring thousands of elite and social competitors to Manly, and our local economy also benefits significantly, a number of businesses do a roaring trade.

“It’s great to partner with Manly Life Saving Club to ensure these events go from strength to strength.”

Chris Bell, President of Manly LSC, said the Cole Classic transfer to Council was a ‘natural fit’ as the club had successfully run water safety since 2007 and were comfortable organising large scale community events.

Each year they host the Manly Carnival and Nipper Nationals, attracting competitors from all around Australia.

“This will be a big community event for Manly,’’ Bell said. “It is also a wonderful way to fundraise for charities, with over $210,000 raised last year.”

The Cole Classic is a 1km and 2km swim from Shelly Beach to Manly with a more adventurous 5km swim taking off at Shelly, heading towards Queenscliff before looping back to finish at Manly.

The Sun Run is staged from Dee Why to Manly and entrants can compete in a 7km and 10km as a well as a recently added aquathon.

Planning for the 2020 Sun Run and Cole Classic is already underway, with entries to open in November ahead of the event on 1-2 February.