Swimmers line up for harbour challenge

Friday, 7 October 2005

Swimmers line up for harbour challenge

As the weather starts to warm up the water might not be, but that's not stopping some keen swimmers from completing a swim across the Auckland Harbour.

Held on Saturday 5 November, the 2.8km Auckland Harbour Crossing Ocean Swim sees competitors swimming from Devonport's Stanley Bay to the Auckland Viaduct.

"The Harbour Crossing really is the first swim challenge of its kind in this country", says organiser Scott Rice, director of Quantum Events.

"We had a great response to the event last year and are on track to double the number of entries in 2005. For an event that's just in its second year it is a huge achievement."

Competitors range from Olympians to casual swimmers and categories are organised by gender and age.

Teams can also enter and there are categories for corporate, family and school groups to participate.

"With some professional swimmers entered we can expect to see an exciting finish at the Viaduct", says Mr Rice. "And there will be other interesting entrants to cheer to the end, such as Rosy the Dog and her owners Belinda and Jed".

After reaching the finish line swimmers are encouraged to stay in the Viaduct for some live music, the prize giving ceremony and to wind-down and relax.

Washing and changing facilities will be set up so competitors can clean off and warm up after swimming for between 35 and 105 minutes.

The Harbour Crossing Ocean Swim is officially supported by Swimming New Zealand and individual entry costs $45 via the internet, including a free Harbour Crossing silicon cap and towel.

For more information and details about how to enter, visit www.harbourcrossing.co.nz .

About The Harbour Crossing Ocean Swim

The Harbour Crossing Ocean Swim is officially supported by Swimming New Zealand along with a variety of sponsors that include the Auckland City Council, North Shore City Council, More FM Auckland, Millennium Institute and Sunday Star Times. Event sponsors also help in the promotion and logistics of the event and include Heart of the City, Barfoot & Thompson, Fullers, Ironman Wetsuits, Coles Scaffolding, Thundercat Racing, Zoot Sports, The Spencer on Bryon Hotel, Bloc Print Ltd and Shoe Science.

ENDS

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