Metalman series underway.
THE first race in the Metalman Swim Series took place on Saturday last at Rosses Point with a record 280 signed up for the ninth edition of the race. Conditions were challenging with 2 ft waves and a gusty breeze for swimmers to contend with. Events got underway with the 500m Sprint Race where Donegal’s Eamonn McGinn narrowly edged out Shane O’Doherty to take first on the day. Lisa Anderson was the first lady home swimming very well.
Next up was the skins or non- wetsuit race which used the same course as the sprint, 500m, the cold conditions came into play here making the swim even more challenging. Two Galway swimmers Matt McGarrigle and Brian Desmond were inches from one another until the final 100m where Matt edged ahead to take first place. Anne Brady put in a very impressive performance to be comfortably the first lady home and looks set for a great swim season.
The final race was the distance event covering 1,000m. Conditions had calmed somewhat by then and well known local athlete Neil Walton took an early lead which the chasing pack was not able to close despite their best efforts. Part of that group was Elaine Lally who was first lady home.
Safety was, as ever, under the watchful eye of Sligo Civil Defence and Sligo Kayak Club.
This was the first of three races which make up the series, the next race takes place on Saturday next the 10th June at Rosses Point at 11am. More details and full results can be found on swimseriesalt