The popular aQuellé Ocean Racing Series returns to Hobie Beach, Port Elizabeth, on Sunday morning after having made way in February to a very busy open water swimming program. With just 3 race day’s remaining, the focus of the Series turns to the overall leaders who are trying to secure the Series titles in the 6 events on offer.
The Series is Africa’s largest family beach event with events on offer for both young and old who compete alongside each other on mostly alternate Sunday mornings in the 1km, 2km & 3km Ocean Swims, the 5km Beach Run, 5km Beach Walk or the Kids 12 years and under 1km Beach Run.
Leading the Series and having already secured the Season XI Series title in their respective disciplines is 16 year old Pearson High School pupil Ian Venter (1km Ocean Swim) and 18 year old Daniel Jones (2km Ocean Swim), each undefeated so far this season. Six out of a possible nine races count for the overall Series point standing with both Venter and Jones already on the maximum scoring of 300 points (50 points for a win). In the 3km distance Wayne Jones (245 pts) leads from Dylan Swim (190 pts) with Eben Haarhoof (150 pts) in third place.
In the ladies category of the swims, Kirstin Marriott is just one win away from securing the 1km title with 5 wins already this season with Amy Mardon in 2nd and Natalie Ogden in 3rd place whilst 56 year old masters swimmer Denise Bosman heads the 2km distance from Antonella Saporta and Liza Kingston. In the ladies 3km category Alexander Road High School teacher Rebecca Newman leads from Brigitte Melly and Suzie Du Plessis.
The 5km Beach Walk is becoming an increasingly popular event and sees Grobbie Gobler leading the standings from Robin Daniel and Juan Slabbert whilst Milé Vermaak leads the ladies division from Maritza Craig and Emily Stemmett. The 5km Beach Run which has seen a steady growth over the past two seasons is once again been dominated by teenagers with 15 year old Johnny Muller and 12 year old Tara Sacke in a comfortable lead. Wayne Mitchell and Dylan Finlay are second and third respectively with Reda Potts and Masakhane Future Stars member Asathule Sowazi chasing for the ladies title.
The kids 1km beach run is always a fun event for children from as young as 1 year old and is the highlight of the morning for the families. In the 6 and under age group Aiden Joubert and Isabel Beattie lead the standings whilst in the 7 to 8 years age group it’s Tristan Marais and Sarah Venter. Jeandre Hattingh and Abbie Mitchell are leading the 9 to 10 years age group with Connor Roff and Chelsey Cooke looking like the certain winners of the 12 years and under category.
The Series is open to all and requires a once off R50 membership fee and a race day entry fee of just R60 for the swims, R40 for the beach events or R30 for the kids race. Fantastic lucky draw prizes on offer each race day including R1,000 cash.
Registration opens from 7.30am at Hobie Beach ahead of the race starts at 9am followed by the prize giving on the beach for kids from 10am and adults from 10.20am.
Alan Straton
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