Ocean swimmers have two distances to choose from at ReBoot in Bermagui on 5 October. Photo: Supplied.
Last year a record 300 runners and more than 100 swimmers took part in ReBoot in Bermagui.
About 500 to 600 locals and visitors enjoyed at least one of the many healthy and fun activities offered over the two-day event.
Community-run and community-funded, the 11th ReBoot in Bermagui will return on the October long weekend over two days.
ReBoot’s aim is simple: get people of all ages and abilities active outdoors with their friends and family during the long weekend. People in wheelchairs have taken part in the fun run and disability groups have participated in ReBoot events in the past.
Showcasing Bermagui’s stunning landscape, the signature events comprise a 15 km trail run which includes 3 km of beach running, the 1.2 km swim at Horseshoe Bay and the 34 km return bike ride.
With the run on Saturday morning and the bike ride on Sunday morning, followed by the ocean swim, the keenest athletes can use ReBoot as a “deconstructed” triathlon.
ReBoot in Bermagui committee member and keen cyclist Julie Rutherford said the bike ride out to Hergenhans Road on the Bermagui-Tathra Road was beautiful and there were no territorial magpies out that way. The ride is restricted to cyclists aged 16 and over.
Less challenging are the 5 km run/walk, 1.5 km fun run aimed at primary school children and the Point to Point swim across Horseshoe Bay that is about 300-350 m.
A mobile sauna will operate over the two days to help people recover from their exertions or simply relax.
ReBoot in Bermagui’s Tug-O-War challenge is always entertaining. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Rutherford said there had been lots of early bird entries and there were already record numbers registered for 1.2 km swim.
There will be games and activities to keep the young ones entertained until their run kicks off at 9.30 am on Saturday, 4 October. The hugely popular and entertaining ReBoot Tug-O-War Challenge will follow.
Also on offer are Tai Chi, pilates, table tennis, pickleball, tennis, stand-up paddle boarding and barefoot bowls, plus a series of yoga classes at Good Vibes.
Ms Rutherford said all the activities were designed for people to “come and try” and no previous experience was necessary.
ReBoot will finish with a 9-hole Ambrose golf event at Bermagui Country Club’s championship golf course on Sunday afternoon.
ReBoot in Bermagui is an initiative of Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism that is intended to bring people to the town outside of the main summer season and provide a community event for locals and visitors alike. Ms Rutherford said people attended from Bega, Narooma, Sydney, Canberra and beyond.
Happy runners at ReBoot in Bermagui. The running races will be held on 4 October. Photo: Supplied.
It is run by a committee of 12 active members and assisted by a big band of volunteers who help with traffic management, marshalling, registration and driving the cars that accompany the bike riders. Volunteers from Marine Rescue and Bermagui Surf Lifesaving Club are on hand for the swimming events.
Local businesses sponsor ReBoot. This together with entry fees, enables the community event to be self-supporting.
All participants in the swimming, running and cycling events can enjoy a free healthy breakfast or bacon and egg roll at Bermagui Surf Lifesaving Club on Sunday morning.
Over the weekend Bermagui Country Club is holding an Oktoberfest and there will be live music at Bermagui Beach Hotel and Camel Rock Brewery.
“We do have prizes for winners and placegetters but what we really want is participation,” Ms Rutherford said.
“There are activities for all ages and for all abilities and we are very keen for everyone to have a go.”
ReBoot in Bermagui will be held on Saturday, 4 October and Sunday, 5 October. For more information and to register visit the event website.
