Record field takes on Wreck2Reef

MORE than 550 swimmers hit the water for this year’s Wreck2Reef at Indented Head, delivering the largest field in the event’s history.

Participants of all ages and abilities tackled three race distances across a calm day of conditions.

About 120 competitors lined up for the 2.5km marathon swim, with 18-year-old Tharusa Perera taking out the men’s race and Lauren Fleetwood winning the women’s title.

Perera did the double and also claimed the 1.2km event title, while Skye Laube was the first over the line in the women’s race.

The novice 800m event, the Salty Bitches social swim and the 300m kids dash were also held across the day.

Race director Andrew Dix said said the weekend would be remembered as one of the event’s strongest yet.

“It was a great day all-round with plenty of athletes testing themselves in the water,” he said.

“The weather was overcast with a light easterly for most of the day, but it cleared up just in time for the later races.

“To have 100 more entries than ever before this year was a huge effort. We are thrilled with its success.”

The Wreck2Reef serves as a major fundraiser for the Indented Head Yacht Club, with proceeds this year to be directed towards facility improvements, including upgrades to the clubhouse’s showers and changerooms.