24th Annual Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach Challenge
24th annual Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach challenge, Sunday 23 February 2025.
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE TO MANLY WHARF, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23rd – 8 AM START
The Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach is open to anyone who is handy with a paddle and expect to see male and female starters ranging from age 14 to 70 +, all keen to put their regular training to the test on the much-loved Sydney Harbour course. The series has seen a huge surge in female participation with growing numbers in the Over 40 and Over 50’s category where we expect to see a battle for the finish line.
This iconic 11km race, one of the biggest on Australia’s paddling calendar, promises thrills and spills while supporting local charity Fragile X Association of AustraliaNow in its 24th year, race organiser Dean Gardiner said things would be fast and furious with more than 300 paddlers set to take part. “Paddlers start right underneath the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge, taking in the splendour of a Sydney sunrise before paddling past some of this city’s most iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Bradley’s Head, Clifton Gardens, North Harbour Reserve, and both South and North Head before finishing at Manly Wharf. There is no more beautiful waterway in the world to race on,” Dean said.
“There’s a big paddling community in Sydney, and this 11km course on the relatively flat-water of the harbour attracts both elite level competitors who will make it from Bridge to Beach in about 40 minutes, through to our beginners who will be digging deep to finish.
“Importantly, this event is dedicated to raising funds for Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA), which is headquartered here on the Beaches, not far from the finish line. Fragile X syndrome is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability, and the charity provides information, support, education and advocacy to individuals and families impacted by Fragile X,” Dean said.
Executive Director of FXAA, Wendy Bruce, said the Bridge to Beach was a significant fundraiser for the charity. “We’re incredibly grateful to the paddling community and race sponsors Manly Wharf and Shaw and Partners for the ongoing support from this event. Each year the money raised makes a significant difference to our ability to fund a specialist family counselling support service for people who are affected by Fragile X syndrome.”
Registration open to 21 February, on the Oceanpaddler website: https://oceanpaddler.com/ocean-events/manly-wharf-bridge-to-beach/event-information-manly-wharf-bridge-to-beach/
The race is sponsored by Manly Wharf and Shaw and Partners Financial Services.
