Anticipation is building ahead of the Sun Run and Cole Classic this weekend on the Northern Beaches.

Saturday will see entrants make their way to Dee Why Beach to start their journey in either the 10km run (6.45am), aquathon (7.20am, sold out) or 7km run (7.25am) before finishing at Manly Beach.

A number of athletically minded competitors will then back up on Sunday for the Cole Classic ocean swim from Shelly Beach before finishing at Manly Beach, over distances of 5km (7.45am), 1km, (8am) and 2km (10.30am).

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said thousands were participating in the events across the weekend.

“These events bring our community together and give a boost to the local economy which is why we rescued them, in partnership with Manly Surf Life Saving Club, when they were being dropped by previous organisers, Fairfax,’’ he said.

Sun Run event ambassador Remy Siemsen is looking forward to rubbing shoulders with plenty of enthusiastic runners in the 7km fun run.

“It is a terrific community event, I’ve always loved how many people on the Northern Beaches live a healthy lifestyle,’’ the Sydney FC W-League striker said.

“I will run at a leisurely pace, I want to soak up the atmosphere.”

Fellow ambassador and Sea Eagles legend Steve ‘Beaver’ Menzies had some simple advice for the day – have fun.

“Know your physical limits and enjoy the scenery,’’ he said.

“The stretch from South Curl Curl to Freshwater is world class, I never tire of the view.

“If you see me on Saturday come up and tell me a joke, I’m always up for a laugh,’’ he said.

Manly LSC president Chris Bell said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ with numbers so far for the 1km, 2km and 5km Cole Classic swims, and with soaring temperatures predicted, 3000 starters is a possibility.

“I am sure we will get quite a few late entries, and with a small swell plus cracking weather forecast, everything is coming together for us at the right time,’’ he said.

“It has been a big few weeks for the club, with the Nipper Nats and last weekend the annual Manly LSC carnival.

“Everyone at the club is looking forward to hosting a terrific community sporting event.”

You can still enter the Sun Run and Cole Classic online, but please note the aquathon on Saturday morning is already at event capacity.