The race from South Pier to Claremont Pier is approximately 1000m.
The swim took place on Sunday 2 September 2007 (due to the bad
weather conditions the swim could not take place on Sunday 19
August.)
Report by Neil Godbold
The day started of at 06:30 for me with setting out the finish line
on the beach next to the Claremont Pier. It is a shame Nemo’s opens
at 08:00, because I would have welcomed a cappuccino at 07:30!
After getting soaked two weeks earlier, it was a pleasant morning
with no clouds, a very calm sea and a slight north-westerly
breeze.
The competitors started to arrive at 10:15 very keen to register.
The admin team consisted of my wife Lisa, (8½ months pregnant,
that’s what I call dedication!) John Grice - some of you may know
John as a previous WDC employee - his wife Joy and his daughters
Vicki and Laura, and Mick Nortcliffe was also there helping
out.
At close of registration some 68 swimmers had registered with all
categories well represented. The swimmers came form the surrounding
areas such as Diss, Ipswich, Norwich and as far away as Leeds,
London and Hickley. Mr David Cobb our oldest competitor was 70 and
comes form Hickley. He swims every year and is getting quicker! I
lost count at the amount of times swimmers asked me if I was
swimming. My answer was a clear and straight NO!! Just for the
record I have never competed in this event. Though on the 10th year
of running this event I might consider it. (2010)
At the start of the event the Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguards corps
gave a safety talk to the swimmers and they patrolled the event for
us. A good crowd of 130ish was gathered at the start line, mainly
family and friends. Male and female open and veteran age groups go
in first with a 15 second delay for the junior section. The swim
was a close race between 1 and 3 with the 3 swimmers all swimming
in under 12 minutes for the 1,000m swim.
One by one swimmers appeared from round the Claremont Pier and as
if the swim was not enough they had their picture taken as they ran
from the sea and then 60m up the beach. A well-deserved cup of
fresh water and a medal awaits all swimmers as they cross the line.
Some very good times and the top three in each group go away with
some very nice glass trophies.
This is a unique event for the town with next year already being
talked about and we are considering a team event. It would be
really good to see a team from WDC or maybe even two!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved
that make this such a very good and popular event.