McClusky takes out the Channel Challenge

THE town of San Remo was thriving on Saturday afternoon in preparation for the 2022 Channel Challenge and the end result was record breaking with over 500 participants competing in a 550m channel swim and a 2km bridge run.

The competition began at 3:20pm after waiting for the tide to run out for a safe swim, Life saving Victoria and Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club surf rescue, patrolled the channel throughout the race to ensure safety for all participants.

The race began in three waves with yellow cap males aged 18-39 the first to enter the water, followed by pink cap females aged 18-39 and finishing with blue and green cap open and relay competitors.

Callum McClusky was the first out of the water followed quickly by Tristan Price, the senior males were swimming and running at a record time with Callum the first through the finish line with a record time of 11:04; Tristan not far behind with a competitive time of 11:46.

“I’ve competed previously in the Cowes Classic but this is my first time participating in the Channel Challenge, it was a great event,” said Callum.

Friend of Callum, senior female competitor Emma Jeffcoat trailed quickly behind the two males running through the finish line with a record time of 12:13, Emma finished in first place in the female category and third overall.

“What a great run, I didn’t realise my time and I’m really happy for Callum taking it out too,” said Emma.

Justin Tilley finished quickly behind in fourth place overall but first place in the master male category, just behind with a time of 12:17, followed by senior female competitors Chloe Bateup finishing second with a time of 12:46 and Sophie Perry finishing third with a time of 12:52.

The fast pace of the competitors astounded the spectators and all were along the sidelines cheering them through the finish line.

Children as young as 11 years old completed the run, junior male competitor Ryan McKenzie finished first in his category with a time of 13:55, followed by junior female, Remy Kenyon with a competitive time of 15:05.

Veteran male, Aurel Wachter finished first in his category in 14:13, followed by veteran female, Jo-anne Elvish with 16:07.

Masters’ female competitor Debbie Mahon, ran through shortly after with a time of 16:18.

All competitors were congratulated at the presentation for their huge effort in the 2022 Channel Challenge, a renowned event that brings tourism to the small town of San Remo.