Local lifesavers test fitness at Endurance Championships

MORE than 50 local surf lifesavers put their fitness to the ultimate test by competing in the first round of the Life Saving Victoria Endurance Championships.

Last Saturday’s event at Mentone Surf Life Saving Club saw over 200 athletes compete in long-course board, swim, beach and ski racing.

In the Open Male division, Tobias Lawrence (Wye River) did the double, coming out victorious in the 2km run and the 4km board race.

Fellow clubman Ethan Lawrence (Wye River) secured the third place in the 4km paddle, while Ivor Morgan (Anglesea) finished first in the 10km ski.

Tristan Read (Lorne) showed off his credentials as one of the strongest competitors in the 2024/25 Endurance Championships by taking out the Masters Male 2km swim and 6km ski.

In the junior age groups Primrose Hyde and Charlotte Edwards (Ocean Grove) finish on the podium in the U/12 Girls, Mackenzie Allen (Torquay) and Madigan Carroll (Anglesea) went one and two in the U/15 Girls 4km run and Alexis Jane (Jan Juc) took home the U/19 Female 10km ski title.

More than other 15 other local lifesavers from Torquay, Anglesea and Ocean Grove also claimed a spot on the podium.

LSV summer sports event co-ordinator Tim Watson said it was great to see athletes putting their fitness to the test.

“The Endurance Championships are a great way for competitors to test their winter training ready for the summer competition and patrolling season.

“Conditions were perfect for endurance racing and provided a fantastic spectacle.”

Competitors will now turn their focus to short course racing with the first carnival to be held at Jan Juc SLSC on November 16.