Conditions were very good for the 63 participants in today’s 3 events. The wind was almost non-existent providing a smooth surface and easier breathing.
The sun broke out for a while, making the leg towards Springbank Island a little harder but generally the visibility was excellent and the yellow buoys stand out nicely.
The 5km swimmers got underway first followed by the 2.5km swimmers 5 minutes later and then the 500m swimmers in the last wave. The other nice surprise – the water temperature was perfect.
I last swam the 2.5km distance some 20 years ago and taking part today was a real joy. Luckily I had people ahead of me to follow, being one of the less visually blessed people. I have always enjoyed the family atmosphere at this race as we have a huge percentage of return swimmers. This year being a participant as well as organiser I enjoyed it on another level – thank you fellow swimmers for your inspiration.
There were a few standout efforts that deserve special mention: ten year old Henry Palmerlee swam the fastest 500m time of the day in 8.05. In the 2.5km swim notable performers were F50-59 Anne Smyth 40.52, FOpen Hayley Gosman 39.11, M60-69 Tim Booth 43.27 (defeated all M50-59), and the fastest swimmer of the day, M Open Brendan Briggs 38.15. 75 year old Lachlan Lewis deserves an honourable mention for finishing in 1.56.15 for his persistence.
The 5km swimmers of course are the real stars for just being brave enough to start, never mind finish. Luke Palmerlee was the fastest male of the day winning the open division in 1.25.49. Some very good swimming by the M50’s saw Alex Gosman finish in 1.28.22 followed by Greg Gourley 11 seconds later. Both of our finishers in the M70+ division are long time friends of the race, each with more than 20 previous appearances in this event. Russell Wenholz was first in 2.00.00, followed by 77 year old Geoff Llewellyn in 2.39.49.
The fastest 5km swims were performed by the ladies today with Morgan Skillman swimming an amazing time of 1.13.28 closely followed by Nicola Johnstone in 1.14.31. F50-59 Janet Gorst swam 1.49.31, and F60-69 Pauline English swam a very creditable 1.58.31.
Thank you to all the swimmers who took part for your inspiring efforts today. Thanks also to my friends in the Sri Chinmoy Races team who helped put on this event and let me have a swim!
Amalendu
Race Director
Full results are published, as well as a photo album.
