ILDSA Rostrevor - W'point OPEN WATER SWIM

ILDSA Rostrevor - W'point THE INTERVIREWS

Race Report

 East Coast Adventure Swim 3.5kmRostrevor – Warrenpoint 24^th July 2010 Entry for this swim was available through Active Global web site which was a first for events here in the Newry and Mourne Area, however quite a number of participants did register on the day.  Water temperature was 16 *c weather conditions were cloudy with brisk South Easterly wind and intermittent light drizzle.

Mr John Beggs ILDSA started the race off in Rostrevor at 10am.This year a total of 40 participants entered the event the largest entry to date in recent years. Five ladies & twelve men entered the skins section adhering to open water protocol. Each swimmer had 1: 1 kayak spotter cover as per safety planIn conjugation with this race a wetsuit challenge was run with a start time 15 minutes after the skins set out these swimmers had 1:3 ratio kayak cover Conditions were fair setting out however a swell did arise and conditions became choppy as the race progressed.

 Swimmers reported a lot of jelly fish present in the Lough with a number of the swimmers sustaining stings from these during the race Thirty nine swimmers completed the race; one wet suit swimmer was removed by one of the safety boats at the swimmers request after sustaining a jellyfish sting.

Building on her recent successes in the open water calendar the over all winner and first lady swimmer home was Local girl Colleen Mallon setting a new course record in a time of 51.13 well done Colleen. Another local Bill Donnelly was next swimmer to finish on 56.15 taking first place in the men’s section a prize which he has been striving for, for some time.

Bill was followed closely by Lurgan lady Catherine Hanratty on a time of 56.53, and second man home was Jeff Wilson from Ballymoney in a time of 1.00.17.  On completion of the event all participants and spectators were entertained to a barbeque sponsored by East Coast Adventure Centre in Warrenpoint. Presentations were made to the winners a list of which with times is attached.

A good representation of local media was present to take photographs and provide publicity for the event.We also enjoyed video coverage for the start and finish of the race courtesy of PantherSolutionsToday.com Highlights of this can be viewed on the  ILDSA web page and Youtube Help and administration on the day must be acknowledged from Rostrevor Festival Committee Members which allowed the process of registration to run smoothly and efficiently.

Thank you to Gerry Mc Anuff and the Blazing Paddles team, Dundalk, Banbridge, Camlough Kayaking clubs and to local kayakers from the Rostrevor area that provided spotter support for the swimmers.

Thank you also to the safety boat crews who were vigilant in providing safety cover to all involved.It would be remiss not to mention the support provided by Padraig Mallon, John Beggs, Xavior Jaunet, Ian Cummings and his family in helping ensure the event ran smoothly and all who took part had a safe and pleasant experience.  

Stephen Millar Event Director & Safety co-ordinator 

Maria Murphy Vice Chair & Swim Representative

N&M District Council Sport Development Committee 

Detail http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD_Gvzj0TMQ