Great North Swim
Results
13.09.08
British Olympic pair take top spots in Great North Swim
Team GB’s David Davies splashed to victory at the UK’s largest open water swim ahead of Olympic rivals, Holland’s Maarten van der Weijden and Germany’s Thomas Lurz.
Continuing the epic battle which saw Davies take the Silver in Beijing, the Brit finished just seconds ahead of the Dutchman, much to the delight of the sizable crowd – with Lurz taking third place.
In the women’s race, Keri-Anne Payne and Cassie Patten once again claimed success, Patten finishing at the top of the podium, closely followed by teammate Keri-Anne in a sensational photo finish. Swimmer, Jennifer Jackson from Wigan B.E.S.T Amateur Swimming Club claimed the third spot.
The returning Olympic heroes provided inspirational performances on British waters for the UK public at the first Great North Swim.
Following in their wake on England’s largest natural lake, Windermere, over 2,000 swimmers took to the challenge of the one mile open water course against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District National Park.
The Great North Swim is the latest event to be launched as part of Take To The Streets – a national activity programme designed to fight spiralling inactivity and obesity rates and raise huge amounts of money for charity in the process.
The sporting challenge offered the perfect fundraising opportunity, as hundreds of swimmers were out in force to support their chosen charities.
Finishing times:
Men’s:
1. David Davies 17:02.67
2. Maarten Van der Weijden 17: 04.82
3. Thomas Lurz 17:18.20
4. Alan Bircher17:25.68
5. Dave Carry 17: 27.34
Women’s:
1. Cassandra Patten 18:21.49
2. Keri-Anne Payne 18:21.83
3. Jennifer Jackson 18:23.84
4. Jodie Swallow 18:24.34
5. Stefanie Biller 18:58.19
Pre-Event
The Low Wood Hotel and Marina will be the venue for the inaugural Great North Swim as England's largest natural lake, Windermere, will provide a watery stage for the first mass participation open water swim event of its kind in the UK.
Over 2200 swimmers of all abilities are expected to grace its stunning shores at Low Wood on Saturday 13th September, to take up the challenge of a specially designed one-mile course.
Some of the biggest names in swimming will be participating with Great Britain's and the UK's most decorated male swimmer and eight times World Record Holder, Mark Foster, who was Team GB's flag bearer at the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Bejing.
Other top Team GB Olympians swimming in the event will be Keri-Anne Payne and Cassie Patten, who won Silver and Bronze respectively in the 10km swim marathon and David Davis who also won Silver in the men's 10km open water swim.
Mark, pictured with Keri-Anne at Low Wood promoting the event said "The real beauty of this event is that I will be hitting the shore line at the same time as people who are taking to the open water for the first time. This is going to make for a fantastic atmosphere and something I am proud to support."
Inspired by the BUPA Great North Run, the world's largest half marathon, the team behind it have translated the formula to the water. The Great North Swim is designed to suit people of all abilities, from club or competitive participants, to fun and charity swimmers.
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