Sand running is tough at the best of times but the recent big swells along the Merewether-Bar Beach stretch which makes up the Big Beach Challenge course have resulted in some extra challenging changes to the surface of the beach.

The Annual Across the Harbour Swim on Australia Day has been cancelled for 2015 due to water conditions and other safety concerns. See  http://www.stocktonsurfclub.com/Documents/MEDIA%20RELEASE%20-%20NEWCASTLE%20HARBOUR%20SWIM%202015.pdf

If you are looking for a little adventure then the bay is the place to find it. A 9km kayak leg has replaced the original swim leg of the Adventure race and the format now features a kayak leg, mountain bike ride and run.

The Nobbys2Newcastle Ocean Swim will now be held on February 21 after dangerous surf forced the postponement of the 2km open water event, originally set down for December 13.

The Big Beach Challenge will enjoy top billing on Surfest Sunday with this year’s event to be held on the finals day of Newcastle’s festival of surfing on February 28 2016.

Big Beach Challenge organiser Paul Humphreys is excited by the new partnership and believes it is a step towards the event becoming one of the country’s classic sand runs.