Race Report: Coniston Swim

Created On: 31 May 2011

Poor weather conditions meant that the final event of the first XTERRA Epic Lakes swim at Coniston Water had to be cancelled to ensure the safety of competitors.

The first 500m swim event went ahead under careful supervision due to the small size of the course and the 3.8k swim was shortened to a 1500m three-lap race over the same 500m course, with swimmers called to shore as the winds became too strong.

With the weather subject to abrupt and unpredictable changes, organisers took the tough decision to postpone the final "classic mile" swim.

Said Race Director Marc Laithwaite: "One question we repeatedly asked ourselves was that if we allowed the event to continue could we guarantee, 100 per cent, that the weather would not change again?

"The answer to this question was a resounding 'No' and if we had been faced with 400 swimmers on the lake in such poor conditions, we could not guarantee safety.

"We are bitterly disappointed that we had to make these decisions and take such steps but safety is paramount."

Organisers are now looking at an alternative date for the event and those affected will be contacted with further details.

The next swim in the series is due to take place at Derwent Water on June 19^th 2011.

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