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Masterful performances in the 3km event

The second event of the Masters National Open Water Swimming Championships 2017 was the 3km race.

Held at Rother Valley Country Park as part of the Swim England National Open Water Festival, 81 swimmers aged between 18-years-old and 79-years-old took part.

Manchester Triathlon’s Stewart Moore secured his second win of the day, finishing in 36:28. His time also meant he finished fastest overall.

Moore said: “It was a slightly closer race [than earlier]; there was another lad close behind me who kept the pressure on, so it was good to hang on.

“It’s been a really good day. It’s a really well-run event but it needs to be bigger with more participants. There should be 50 people in every age group. Everything is set up, so it would be great to see that for next year.”

Daily Hill fastest female home

Daisy Hill was the fastest woman overall, taking gold in the 18-24yrs age group in 37:52. The Kingston upon Hull swimmer, who also took part in the Team2K with the Blue Lagooners, was pleased with her win.

“It was a good time for me”, said Hill. “The conditions were good, but got a bit choppy towards the end. I liked the addition of the team event. It made it more fun and inclusive for everyone.”

The 30-34yrs age group saw a close battle between Laura Bowden (Trafford Metro) and Helen Mason (Market Drayton). The Trafford Metro swimmer just edged the last few metres to touch 0.20 seconds ahead in 44:06.54.

Bowden, who also took the 1.5km gold earlier in the day, said: “It was a tough race. It was a very close finish and I just touched the other girl out so I was very pleased. My time was a bit slower than last year, but it was a bit choppier today. It’s been a brilliant day. All the supporters and helpers have been brilliant.”

Kimberley Bell claims second gold

Manchester Triathlon’s Kimberley Bell also took her second gold of the day, winning the 25-29yrs age group in 38:36. Emma Miles (Royal Navy) was second in 40:54 and Sarah Ryder (Northampton) was third with 44:16. Bell commented: “It’s great. The 3k was tiring. It was a lot windier [than the 1.5k] so was definitely tough, but it was good to come out with the win again.”

Valerie Cummings from St Ives broke her own PB with a 50:14 swim. The 60-64yrs age group swimmer said: “I really enjoyed it. 51 was my wildest dream so to go under that was brilliant.”

Nicholas Parkes (East Leeds) held on to his title for the fourth year. Competing in the 55-59yrs age group, Parkes used today’s event as a warm-up for the Masters World Championships.

He said: “It was a good set up for the Masters World Championships in two weeks’ time. There’s a bit of competition there for me. Hopefully I’m going to get in the top five, so today was really good.”

3km Gold medallists

  • 18-24yrs age group: Harry Crisp (Norwich); Daisy Hill (Kingston Upon Hull)
  • 25-29yrs age group: Stewart Moore (Manchester Tri); Kimberley Bell (Manchester Tri)
  • 30-34yrs age group: Michael Peacock (Preston); Laura Bowden (Trafford Met)
  • 35-39yrs age group: Colin Pratt (Hamilton); Nichola Smith (Daventry)
  • 40-44yrs age group: Ian Wimpenny (Hoddesdon); Jessica Wooddisse (Stroud Masters)
  • 45-49yrs age group: Craig Forrest (Hamilton); Caroline Makin (East Leeds)
  • 50-54yrs age group: Sean Kinsey (Stroud Masters); Helen Reader (City of Derby)
  • 55-59yrs age group: Nicholas Parkes (East Leeds); Catherine Hartle (Littledown Masters)
  • 60-64yrs age group: Robert Steel (Nottingham Leander); Valerie Cummings (St Ives)
  • 65-69yrs age group: Bruce Goldberg (East Leeds)
  • 70-74yrs age group: Graham Padgett (Warrington Metro); Valerie McLaren (Crawley)
  • 75-79 yrs age group: Michael Read (Brighton)
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