More than 600 runners of all ages will tackle the sands of the Barwon River in the 39th Sheepwash Classic on Saturday.
The run is the major fundraiser for Barwon Heads Primary School, with a dedicated group of parent volunteers and staff from the school running the event.
Organisor of seven years Sarah Jackson said the event raised roughly $11,000 a year for the school, which has more than 450 local students.
“It’s a beautiful course and it has a really fun vibe to it – some people dress up and walk it and we have some serious runners too.”
Ocean Grove athlete James Dalton, 37, took out back-to-back Sheepwash Classics last year, with a time of 28.34 in the 8km event.
Young up-and-coming runner Emilie Guy took out the women’s event in 31.15, placing an impressive fifth overall.
The start gun fires at 8am, with runners taking off from near the mouth of the Barwon River.
Runners then cross the footbridge and head down to the beach towards Ocean Grove, returning along the walking track.
Fun runners and serious runners alike can take on either the 8km or 4km courses which wind around the Bellarine Peninsula’s spectacular coastline.
The 8km track takes in the scenic beauty of the Barwon Heads bluff before returning to the finish line next to the rotunda in Lahey Square, Barwon Heads.
The course consists of a variety of terrain that is not suitable for prams. Dogs can not participate in the run.
