Members of the 2019 Long Reef SLSC Pub2Pub Team

Surf Life Saving Club members right along the northern beaches, always volunteer their time to help out as Marshalls at our big event each year. But in 2019, two clubs are also taking on the challenge of competing.

Long Reef SLSC is aiming for a team of around 25 runners. They’re participating in this year’s Pub2Pub as a team-building effort, but also for a cause close to their hearts. The Long Reef Team will be raising funds for the family of Port Campbell Lifesavers Ross and Andrew Powell who tragically died while rescuing a swimmer at the mouth of the Sherbrook River in Victoria in April this year. Their six-metre rigid hull rescue boat was swamped in heavy surf conditions throwing three Lifesavers into the 2 metre swell. A rescue helicopter was able to winch to safety one Lifesaver and the man who was originally in difficulty. Sadly Ross and Andrew could not be saved.

The Rescue Helicopter at Sherbrook on that tragic day at Easter this year. (Twitter @ianmccauley)

The Long Reef Club may have an advantage at the start of the 13km race as it has a reputation for producing national and world class Beach Runners. Among their members are State, Australian and World Champions. Their 2019 Team is made up all ages, from 8 to 80 and will be participating across all the Pub2Pub course options – 3km, 6km and 13km.

Dee Why SLSC just around the corner from Long Reef is also entering a Team, so far comprising five adult and five junior runners. Team Leader David Spink said: “It’s a great way to keep fit during Winter and like all Surf Life Saving Clubs, we’re very community-spirited. We’ve been training for the Pub2Pub both on the beach and by entering Park Runs. It’s great to have some friendly competition from our mates at Long Reef. Bring on August 25^th!”