Sydney Harbour Swim Classic
Once again the annual Sydney Harbour Swim Classic was a great success. Now in its eighth year the 2009 swim proved that not even the recent concerns over shark attacks across NSW waters in the preceding weeks would prevent record numbers of open water swim fans turning out. This year's Sydney Harbour Swim Classic was held on March 1st and provides the public with an opportunity to enter a community swim against the magnificent Sydney Harbour backdrop.   The event starts from the Man O'War steps to Fort Denison and then returning to the Man O'War steps. The swimmers complete their swim by exiting the water via a purpose built ramp alongside the Sydney Opera House. High profile competitors in the "Celebrity Dash for Cash" race, which kicked off the events, included Olympians; Murray Rose, Max Metzker, Carl Wilson and Graeme Brewer. 70 year old Murray Rose won the celebrity race.
The Sydney Harbour Swim Classic is a charity event, as well as a day to bring people together and celebrate our unique water-sports culture. The swim promotes sun and water safety awareness and this year's swim was the highlight of Sydney Harbour Week. "Clean Up Australia Day" was promoted during the event and many of the competitors commented on the cleanliness of the harbour water. Long distance swimmer Susie Maroney who swam in the celebrity race said: "It was great to see the improvement in water conditions across the years".
Competitors ranged in age from 13 to 65 years plus. The winners of the 2KM race were Matthew Jepson with a time of 19:13 mins and Luane Rowe in 20:06 mins. The 1KM winners were Luane Rowe in 13:03mins and Jan Venca Francke in 13:12 mins. The team winners were Active Greens with an overall time of 1:24:59. The success of the event would not have been possible without community contributions, through prizes, donations and supplies. Thanks to these valued contributions the SHSC will maintain itself as one of Sydney's icon community events. Tabata Australia happily donated prizes for all age groups across the board.
Congratulations to all who participated!