MORE than 550 swimmers hit the water for this year’s Wreck2Reef at Indented Head, delivering the largest field in the event’s history.<\/p>\n
Participants of all ages and abilities tackled three race distances across a calm day of conditions.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The novice 800m event, the Salty Bitches social swim and the 300m kids dash were also held across the day.<\/p>\n
Race director Andrew Dix said said the weekend would be remembered as one of the event’s strongest yet.<\/p>\n
“It was a great day all-round with plenty of athletes testing themselves in the water,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The weather was overcast with a light easterly for most of the day, but it cleared up just in time for the later races.<\/p>\n
“To have 100 more entries than ever before this year was a huge effort. We are thrilled with its success.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n