Lake Glenbawn Classic

NEW: entries are open for the Lake Glenbawn Classic 2012.

The day was a scorcher for the sixth running of the annual Lake Glenbawn Classic by Scone Swimming Club on Australia Day 2011. The 87% full Glenbawn Dam was a picture, but the weather conditions made it tough. A total of 97 swimmers took to the waters in 1 km, 3 km or 5km events. The water was a balmy 28 degrees C, but with the air temperature climbing to over 40 degrees before lunchtime, swimmers were warned not to overdo it in the heat of competition. Organisers and swimmers alike sought the shade during the morning and cold water and Icy Poles helped everyone through the morning.

Swimmers from 8 to 76 years took part, but it was the up and coming young guns seeking qualifying times for State and National Open Water Championships that stole the show. The overall winner of the 1 km race in 15 minutes and 5 seconds was Ryan Leonard (13 years!) from Toronto, over two and a half minutes in front of the next finisher. The winner of the 3km event was Jacob Riordon (16 years!) from Lakelands in a time of 48 minutes and 46 seconds. The 5km event was won by Waylon Murray (15 years!) from Kempsey in a time of one hour, 13 minutes and 20 seconds. It was a very impressive display of endurance and stamina under the rapidly warming conditions.

Well done to all those swimmers and to all competitors that achieved their personal goals. A huge thank you again to all sponsors and helpers who made the day such a success. Generous sponsorship particularly from Scone RSL Club, Invermien, Bengalla and Hunter Mutual helped make the day a great success. Upper Hunter Shire Council facilitated the running of the event and organised for the Australia Day Ambassador to be official starter. Many other local businesses and individuals contributed significantly, including Paddock to Pantry, Swimming NSW, Scone Pool, Scone Grammar School, The Australian Stockhorse Society, McCallum Inglis, Satur Veterinary Clinic, Glenbawn State Park, Scone SES, Widden Stud, Trish Townsend, Sue Rowland, Tim Goode, Daniel Morgan, Nigel Russell and other volunteers from Scone Swimming Club