Natalie du Toit and Kariel van Heerden tied for first in 18:04 in the 1.5K Dis-Chem Sun City Open Water Swim this weekend among the palm trees and lush tropical gardens of the lavish Sun City Resort. But Natalie, the 10K Olympian, came out ahead in the main 3K race winning by 9 seconds in 38:16. Over 2,300 swimmers in front of 2,000 spectators enjoyed the 0.6K, 1.5K and 3K races with goodie bags, free entry into Sun City Resort's Valley of the Waves, random gifts and cash prizes over R30,000 available (US$3,800).
On the men's side, there was also two top men who switched positions on the awards podium: Terence Parkin won the 1.5K men's race, but lost to Tyrone Venter in the 3K race amid the amazing facilities of the Sun City Resort, one of South Africa's premier tourism destinations, known as Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure.
It was interesting to read the feedback on this race from first-time open water swimmer
Robin of Tri Life Adventure who competed in the 3K 31-39 year age group men's division. A seriously committed triathlete, Robin was competing in his first open water swim. Among his positive comments, Robin said, "...despite never having done an open water swim, I was confident that it couldn’t be any worse than your average triathlon swim and I was correct. In fact, the masters were a little better behaved and there was no punching or kicking like I usually experience." Regarding the finish, Robin commented, "What, no run to transition or a finish line? How civilized." About his 9th-place finish, "...bring on next year and the 40+, 3 minutes off the winning time. Not bad for my first event and perhaps it’s worth giving this form of racing some more serious consideration?"
It is always good to hear from a newcomer about their first impressions of our sport.
Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association
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