Swimmers compete in Ebotse Swim the Mile event
Dozens of swimmers tested their endurance at CR Swart Dam during the inaugural open-water race.
Dean Coetzee and Karen King emerged as the overall winners of the inaugural Ebotse Swim the Mile at CR Swart Dam, producing standout performances in the open-water event.
They led a 57-swimmer field in a race that marked an exciting new addition to the local sporting calendar, as swimmers, including the Benoni Open Water Swimmers (BOWS), tested their endurance in the scenic waters of the dam.
Men’s race
Coetzee led from the buzzer and had already opened a sizeable gap over Giacomo Virgili by the first buoy. The lead grew with every stroke and by the time he reached the second buoy, the race was effectively over as he powered to line honours in a quickfire 19:02.
ALSO READ: College head of sport gives her thoughts on coaching and mentorship
“I generally like to have a fast start. I try to get away from the bunch to get myself some open water. I like swimming at the front to have smoother water ahead of me. From there, it was race management, trying to keep an eye on where my competitors were,” Coetzee said.
“I like to accelerate around the buoys to maximise my advantage, then manage the race halfway in, alternating between going hard and easy to ensure I maintain my lead.”
Virgili exited the water 01:24 later, while Jaden Harris was the third swimmer home in 21:02.
Women’s race
The women’s race proved far more competitive, with just two seconds separating first and second. King claimed victory in 26:19, narrowly edging Tamsin Obermeyer, who exited the water in 26:21 to take the runner-up spot. Youngster Bailey Marilik was the third woman home in 28:27.
Long-distance swimmer King said she couldnot have asked for better conditions on the day after conquering the 1.6km course.
“It was a lovely race. The conditions are beautiful. The main thing was to see the buoys. We tried not to go hard early to have enough for the last bit. I’m really happy with my performance.”
ALSO READ: Edenvale sports clubs fund maintenance at local grounds
Organiser Glen Gore, of Triathlon Plus, also the organiser of the Jozi Triathlon at the same venue, explained that he hopes it becomes an annual event.
“It’s something we’ll try to build on. We figured that since we have the triathlon champs here, we might as well do something for pure swimmers. Hopefully, it’s the first of many. I want to have this as an annual event.”
Category results:
Women
Over 30
• Karen King 26:19
• Tamsin Obermeyer 26:21
• Tia Gruenefelder 29:55
Under 30
• Bailey Marilik 28:27
• Isabella Purdon 28:29
• Amy Finlayson 32:13
Men
Over 30
• Dean Coetzee 19:02
• Giacomo Virgili 20:26
• Wolfi Maralik 26:59
Under 30
• Jaden Harris 21:02
• Deante James 21:32
• Conrad van Rooyen 24:26
