The Cole Classic, founded by Graham Cole in 1983, is one of the World’s Top 100 Open Water Swims and is one of the largest ocean swims and charity swims in Australia. There are three separate races: 1 km, 2 km and 5 km races.
Event director John Thompson and his team from the Manly Life Saving Club have a clear vision for Cole Classic over the next decade: to become a leading example of sustainability among ocean swims.
He explains, “We’ve always tried to take steps to ensure the beach and surrounding coastline is looked after during our event, but this year we’ve upped our game and have taken significant steps to reduce the impact to our environment.
We’re working to reduce our carbon footprint ongoing, implementing some initiatives such as:
- Replacing 5000 plastic bag tags with paper
- Offering and funding a recycling service for our silicone swim caps
- Offering and funding a collection service to re-use goggles and caps sending to Samoa and Lombok
- Use of biodegradable water cups
- Recycling our post-race fruit scraps
- Creation and promotion of environmental partner category to drive sustainable practice
We’ve taken these steps to continue to build trust with our supporters and key stakeholders, as well as to connect with experts in the industry who we’re working with to help us improve waste management, sustainable event design and energy saving solutions.“
Hayden Cotter in the 2 km and Euan Liney in the 5 km are the two-time defending overall champions in their respective distances. Tayla Martin has won the overall women’s 5 km in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024
For more information, visit coleclassic.com.au.
@ 2025 Cole Classic