The annual North Mackay Sinkers Open Water Swim is held on the first Sunday in November each year. This year’s race, on November 5, dawned with clear skies, zero wind and welcome temperatures in and out of the water.
Some 49 swimmers registered for the annual event, made up of 33 females and 16 males set to compete.
Distances offered in the competition were the 1.25-kilometre, which included an aided swimmer section of flippers and buoys. A 2.5-kilometre distance and the main event, a challenging 5-kilometre swim that includes the King and Queen of the River title. This year the club sponsored new perpetual trophies for the King and Queen events, as well as similar trophies for the 14–18-year section.
With the results in, the North Mackay Sinkers have three new reigning champions in the 5-kilometre event. Welcoming Ben Miles as the open age male winner, and Samantha Sticklan as the open age female winner.
The sole junior swimmer Zara Richardson was successful in the 14–18-year olds’ 5-kilometre event. See the results below, which are line-honour based, not age group based.
5K event
Female Place
1. Zara Richardson (14-18) – 1:25:10
2. Samantha Stricklan – 1:31:04
3. Sarah Shuttlewood – 1:39:16
4. Jody Walker 1:41:25
Male Place
1. Ben Miles – 1:21:52
2. Nigel Dalton – 1:41:10
2.5K Event
Female Place
1. Linda Single – 40:46
2. Karen Chandler - 43:11
3. Megan Taylor - 47:56
Male Place
1. Pierre Craven – 43:58
2. John Barrett – 54:03
3. Murray Wonnocott 57:24
1.25K Event
Female Place
1. Toni Enright – 26:58
2. Lucy Guye – 28:22
3. Rebecca Casanovas – 28:26
Male Place
1. Daniel Stampa – 28:13
2. Davis Nicholas – 28:18
3. Adam Chappell – 31:03
The event was well supported in and out of the water by swimmers, water safety volunteers and numerous club members assisting to deliver a smooth, well-run event.
President of the North Mackay Sinkers Daniel Stampa stated, “It was fantastic to see regular swimmers at this event as well as a brace of new competitors taking on the shorter and longer distances for the first time.”
The 2024 event is tentatively scheduled for November 3 2024 and the picturesque location is a fantastic place for the club to swim and test their skills.
The club is considering a format change for 2024, as well as contemplating delivering another Open Water Swim in a unique location, stay tuned for more details.
Contributed by Daniel Stampa.
Winners of the 5-kilometre event (left to right) Open Female Winner Sam Sticklan, Junior Female Winner Zara Richardson and Open Male Winner Ben Miles
Contestants of the 2.5-kilometre event brace the waters in the Open Water Swim competition. Photos supplied
