Crowds lined Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront on Sunday to watch 65 swimmers take part in the annual Stert Island Swim.
The 2,400m swim from Burnham to Stert and back was won by Wells triathlete Marcus Williams for a second year running, this time in a fast time of 21 minutes and 55 seconds.
Marcus told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I have taken part in this event for four years and am really pleased to have won for a second consecutive year. The sea was quote rough and choppy in the middle of the estuary but the temperature of the water was good, if a little too hot for me swimming in a wetsuit at speed.”
First lady home was Larisa Green, also from Wells, who won her category in a time of 24 minutes and 41 seconds. Larisa’s swim was all the more impressive because she is deaf.
Speaking via a family member, she told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The sea conditions were rough, but I really enjoyed it and am so pleased to have won.”
Celia Miall from organisers West Country Triathletes, which oversees the annual race, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was a very successful event today – we had a good turnout of spectators and swimmers. Thanks go to everyone for their help.”
Burnham’s Mayor, Martin Cox, pictured, officially started the event on the beach next to the jetty. Two swimmers did not not finish and were helped ashore by the RNLI. Full results are available here.
The swim’s first three were Marcus Williams, Simon Laurence and Martin Lee
The swimmers faced choppy waters in the middle of the estuary
First lady home was Larisa Green
Burnham shop owner Phil Hemming was among the finishers
Two of the entrants in the dash for the finish
Brother and sister swimmers Anneka and Glynn Russ finishing the event
The first two male and female finishers with their prizes from organisers Martin Rogers and Celia Miall
Burnham’s MP Tessa Munt congratulating first-placed finisher Marcus Williams
Commentator Mike Gardener gave the audience a running commentary
Tessa Munt with swimmer Sarah Milner Simonds and partner Bev
The team of marshalls and time-keepers was thanked by the organisers
