Sydney’s favourite sporting and fitness weekend is back. And the locations could not be more spectacular with events staged at the city’s iconic northern beaches and coastline.

The annual Sydney Morning Herald Sun Run and Cole Classic presented by Virgin Active, is held on consecutive days, Saturday February 4 and Sunday February 5 2017. There’s something for every fitness level and every family and community group. This year it aims to raise $150, 000 for charity.

There’s a 7km fun run and a more challenging 10km course in the Sydney Morning Herald Sun Run. Both events, on February 4, start at Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club and finish beside iconic Manly Lifesaving Club on Manly Beach. Children under five run for free.

The following day, February 5, Sydney’s most historic and best known swim event, The Sydney Morning Herald Cole Classic – now in its 34th year – begins at beautiful Shelly Beach. Entrants choose from three lengths – 1km, 2km and 5km – with all completing the swim in front of Manly Lifesaving Club.

Participants in the Cole Classic will be in good company with Olympic cult hero Jarrod Poort taking to the water with the masses, a slightly shorter challenge for the athlete following his memorable performance in the 10km Ocean Swim in Rio earlier this year.

Participants who sign up before December 13 will not only save $20 on entry but will go into a draw to win a World Series Swim pack prize worth more than $1000. It includes a double entry to the Mooloolaba Mile, return airfares to the Sunshine Coast and one night’s accommodation.

Registrations are open for The Sydney Morning Herald Sun Run and Cole Classic presented by Virgin Active. See www.sunruncoleclassic.com.au