Maracas Open Water Classic on Sept 25th
Trinidad and Tobago's longest running swim event the Maracas Open Water Classic is scheduled for Sunday September 25th 2011 at Trinidad's premier beach the Maracas Bay.
The Open Water event, which has been in existence since 1949, encourages a wide spectrum of ages, with swimmers from aged five to 80 participating in this event. Three races are now a part of this Annual event which is the only annual open water event run by the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT).
In 2010, a world standard 5000m race was introduced which runs concurrently with a 2650m race. This is open to swimmers 13 and over and starts at 11:00am. There is also a 750m race for children 12 and under which starts at 10:00am.
Over 250 athletes participated in the 2010 race, including Gordon Borde who is the Chairperson of the Organising Committee. Borde placed 75th in 2650m race last year and won the 70-74 year category. He has participated more than any other athlete in the event and this year he would take part in his 60th swim of the open water event.
The race has attracted interest from international online media as it is highlighted on Open Water websites openwaterpedia.com, and has been listed as a part of the West Indies Blue Water Swim Series.
The Maracas Swim is listed as the last in the Series which featured races in St. Kitts, Turks and Caicos, and US Virgin Islands. According to the website, a West Indies Bluewater Championship Race is being created for 2012 that will draw qualifiers from the top swimmers from the West Indies Swim Series as well as provide an open race venue for all swimmers. In June 2010, the Maracas Swim was ranked 55th out of over 3000 open water swims in the world by Worldstop 100.
Registration for the Maracas Open Water Classic is $75 for the 12 and under 750m race and $100.00 for the 2650m and 5000m race. This registration fee applies up to September 16th 2011. Registration will be accepted up to half hour before each race but is subject to an additional $25.00 late fee for the juniors and $50.00 for the seniors after the 16th. ASATT's Fundraising Raffle will also be drawn during the Award Ceremony of the Open Water Swim.
Interested persons should visit ASATT's website at www.swimtt.com or contact Kervin Jean at 868-772-7071.
