Northern Beaches Council and Manly Life Saving Club today proudly announced four ambassadors for the 2020 Sun Run and Cole Classic - Sea Eagles legend Steve Menzies, Sydney FC striker Remy Siemsen, Ironman champion Kendrick Louis and 2019 NSW Youth Athlete of the Year Naomi Scott.

Mayor Michael Regan said it was fantastic that local athletes of such a high calibre had agreed to get behind the events.

“We are fortunate to have some the best athletes in the world right here on the beaches and I am thrilled they will be helping us spread the word about these iconic Northern Beaches events,” the Mayor said.

Manly LSC president Chris Bell said the Cole Classic transfer from Fairfax Media was a ‘natural fit’ as the Club has run water safety in the ocean swim since 2007 and were well versed at staging large scale events, notably the annual Manly LSC carnival and Nipper Nationals.

“This will be a big community event for Manly and a wonderful way to fundraise for charities with over $210,000 raised last year,’’ Mr Bell said.

Rugby league legend Steve ‘Beaver’ Menzies, who won two premierships with the Manly Sea Eagles in 1996 and 2008, said he is looking forward to taking part in the community event for the first time.

“The run (from Dee Why to Manly) is very scenic, especially the headland around South Curl Curl heading to Freshwater, it never gets old cruising past that spot, the view is just incredible,” Mr Menzies said.

“I’m excited to be involved, and I’ll probably look to get a few of the boys (Sea Eagles) to join me on the day if they are free.”

Sky Blues W-League star Remy Siemsen said having fun is key.

“My advice would be not to rush it, just get out there and have a go, enjoy the scenery,’’ Ms Siemsen said. “I couldn’t think of a better way to take in the Northern Beaches.”

Manly LSC ironman Kendrick Louis will line up for the Cole Classic among thousands of other entrants and expects the competition to be fierce.

“I’m stoked that I’ll be around to compete, bragging rights will be on the line,’’ he said. “I know the stretch from Shelly (Beach) to Manly better than most, it is a great event always embraced by the community.”

The Sun Run, on Saturday 1 February 2020, will see 7km and 10km courses for participants from Dee Why Beach to Manly. The Cole Classic on Sunday 2 February, involves a swim from Shelly Beach to Manly Beach.

Registrations are open for both events and can be found online.

2020 Sun Run & Cole Classic Ambassador Bios

Steve Menzies (rugby league)

  • Premierships: 1996, 2008 (Manly Sea Eagles)
  • Kangaroo Tour (1994)
  • World Cup (1995)
  • Dally M Second-Rower of the Year: 1994, 1995, 1998

Kendrick Louis (Surf lifesaving)

  • Australian Ironman Champion
  • World Ironman Champion
  • Molokai2Oahu paddle board champion
  • Nutri-Grain professional Ironman representing Manly LSC
  • Multiple NSW Ironman Champion
  • 2018 Bondi to Bronte ocean swim winner

Remy Siemsen (Football)

  • Talented young striker with an eye for goal for Sydney FC
  • In her debut season in the Westfield W-League in 2016/17, Siemsen finished as the club's top goalscorer and her stellar performances saw her voted as the Young Footballer of the Year for 2016/17

Naomi Scott (Surf Lifesaving)

  • 2019 NSW Youth Athlete of the Year
  • Junior Australian representative
  • Nutri Grain Ironwoman representing Manly LSC
  • Studies commerce and advanced computing at Sydney University
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