6th Annual Escape From Spike Swim – A Great Success

The Group of 47 Swimmers outside of Cobh Heritage Center before setting off

Glorious sunshine and excellent conditions were on hand for the 6th annual ‘Escape From Spike Swim’ that took place on Saturday 25th August in Cobh, when 47 swimmers from around the country took to the waters braving the usual strong harbour currents, to take part in this one mile open water swim from Spike Island to the Cobh Heritage steps in an effort to raise funds for the Lions Club. This was a Lions Club International insured event and before the race swimmers were ferried to Spike Island after a short safety briefing by event organiser Niall O’ Crualaoich.

Winner Of The 6th Annual Escape From Spike Swim Ciaran McArdle

The race got off to a perfect start when swimmers entered the Spike waters at 11.30am with Ciaran McArdle leading the field and being first across the finishing line in a time of 00:26:40, approximately 3 minutes slower than 2011 winner Ned Denison’s time of 00:23:45, who came home second this year in a time of 00:28:23 scooping the ‘First Male In Togs’ prize. The First Female In Togs over the line was Carol Cashel in a time of 00:29:07 and the First Female In Wetsuit was Eleanor Courtney in 00:35:52

Speaking with Event Safety Coordinator Joanne O Crualaoich she explained that ‘All swimmers should have at least swum in the Open Water environment this year and be capable of swimming the distance before their entry was accepted. Obviously we would have liked more swimmers but we were very conscious of safety so the number was limited. We’re delighted to be able to do this now very popular annual event and once again the people of Cobh were great in coming out to support us and we’re already looking forward to the 2013 event.’

Winners of the four categories - (FLTR) Ned Denison, Eleanor Courtney, Carol Cashel & Ciaran McArdle

Overall Winner & First Male ina wetsuit – Ciaran McArdle – 00:26:40
First Male In Togs – Ned Denison 00:28:23
First Female In Togs – Carol Cashel – 00:29:07
First Female In Wetsuit – Eleanor Courtney – 00:35:52

Winners of the four categories - (FLTR) Ned Denison, Eleanor Courtney, Carol Cashel & Ciaran McArdle