Sydney may have been blanketed in rain over the weekend, but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for entrants in the 27th Sydney Morning Herald Cole Classic. A record 4,500 entrants made the Cole the largest ocean swim in Australia.
Strong swells shifted both the 1km and 2km courses from Manly to Shelly Beach. Josh Beard won the 2km Elite Swim in a time of 24 minutes, and Luane Rowe won the female category for the course in 26 minutes.
The open men’s 1km race was won by Taylor Fletcher-Ward in a time of 13:38 minutes, with Madeline Owen winning the open women’s 1km race in 13:11 minutes.
For the first time this year swimmers had the opportunity to team with charity experts Everyday Hero and over $300,000 was raised for charity.
This is the second year that the Cole Classic has partnered with the founding Cole family and The Sydney Morning Herald for management and promotion of this iconic event in-conjunction with the Manly Life Saving Club.
All SMH Cole Classic entrants received a medal, with category winners receiving the famous Cole Classic hand painted plates.
RACE RESULTS: 2km Men2km Women
1. Josh Beard 24:00 1. Luane Rowe 26:00
2. Trent Klouzall 25:52 2. Claire Nicholls 26:40
3. Max Collins 26:26 3. Claire Courtney 28.21
1km Men1km Women
1 Taylor Fletcher-Ward 13:38 1. Madeline Owen 13:11
2. Spot Anderson 14.01 2. Luane Rowe 13.20
3. Lachlan Bruce 14.39 3. Daniela Wingrave 15.27
Lucky Draw Prize Winners
Adam Smith, Taren Point
Cathie Coleman, North Curl Curl
Highest Fundraiser Prize
Juliet Dart, North Balgowlah ($3310 for Manly LSC)
Mr & Mrs Average Lucas Barry, Forestville (41.41)
Rina Langenberg, Wentworthville (44.12)
