By YASEMIN TALAT
A NEW tri-race series will hit the bay this summer with cash prizes to be won.
The inaugural Top of the Bay series will feature two of Williamstown’s popular open water swims when it kicks off next weekend.
The ‘swim-athon’ will launch on Australia Day at Williamstown beach with the Williamstown Swimming and Lifesavers Club’s annual one and two kilometre swims.
The event, which is in its 24th year, will welcome back swimmers who have taken part annually, and swimmers from as young as 12 years old have also jumped on board.
The second event of the tri series will be the Rotary’s annual Jalna Big Bay Swim on 23 February.
Marathon swimmer and English Channel conqueror Chloe McCardel is the ambassador for the Jalna Big Bay Swim, which is a 3.2 kilometre swim from Port Melbourne to Williamstown.
And the final event will be a new event on the calendar, the inaugural Melbourne Swim Classic, which will be held at St Kilda beach on 1 March.
“Its attractive for all age groups and all levels of fitness, there’s no pressure on the athletes it’s just giving them the opportunity to do their best,” Series Event organiser Simone Trigger said.
Cash prizes will be awarded to a male and female in the age categories of over 35 and over 46 who complete the series of three swims, as well as cash prizes for the Jalna Big Bay Swim.
Ms Trigger said the Top of the Bay series would give swimmers an opportunity to embrace and enjoy a series in the local area, without travelling elsewhere.
She encouraged anyone thinking of giving the swims a go to take on the opportunity.
“It’s a challenge to swim across the bay and it’s only once a year you get the opportunity to do it,” Ms Trigger said.
“Once you come across the line, it’s a great personal achievement.”
For more information or to register, visit www.bigbayswim.com.au
