Nothing to do at 4am? Why not go for a swim?!
It sounds mad, but the Henley Classic Swim is now in its tenth year. Sunday 30th June saw beautiful conditions, a record turnout, and the introduction of a world-class elite event
The iconic swim, characterised by its 4.30am start and its location on the world famous Henley Regatta course, is like no other race in an increasingly busy open water calendar. This year saw a record 700 competitors take part, and much like its more famous cousin the Henley Royal Regatta, included a number of international athletes and celebrities.
The men’s elite event, sponsored by Christopher Ward, was won by German international open water swimmer Alexander Studzinski – who claims to do all his training in an indoor pool! His winning time of 24 minutes and 19 seconds for the 2.1km upstream course was a record, and nearly a minute ahead of his closest rivals. Defending champion and winner of the previous three Henley Classics, Richard Stannard was placed 4th place. Alexander commented: “When I found out about the swim it looked like an event I just had to be involved in. I am incredibly proud to have won the race and be part of its history”.
The women’s elite race was won by Fern Davies – a member of the Swim Swansea elite squad, and a former junior international open water swimmer who is hoping to qualify for the Great Britain open water swim team. Unlike Alexander, she regularly trains in the sea. Fern said: “I don’t think there is anything quite like the feeling of finishing an open water race. I love the fact that no race is ever the same.”
Simon Barnett, a Henley resident and one of the few competitors to have taken part in every Henley Classic since its inception said: “The thought of getting up at 3am to do a 1¼ mile open water swim always fills me with dread, but once I get down to the river and see the sun rising and mist hovering over the river by Temple Island I feel incredibly lucky to be here. I remember the first time we did the race there were only around 20 of us and we just got on with it – everyone thought we were crazy. Nowadays there are lots of races that promise a unique experience, but for me nothing comes close to the Henley Classic.”
For those still keen to enjoy the Henley swim experience but not predisposed to early starts or quite ready for the full distance, the organisers of the Henley Classic have created the ‘Henley Mile’ which will take place on Sunday 14th July. There will be a number of different races, including the traditional ‘mile’ distance, but there will also be an opportunity for children as young as 8 to take part in two shorter races, plus a brand new knock out Sprint event against the backdrop of the beautiful Temple Island.
As such, the Henley Mile will be a family-friendly affair. Indeed, having completed the Henley Classic, Barnett will be down by the river again – this time cheering on his wife in the Henley Mile before watching his 8 year old daughter, Eva, getting her first experience of open water swimming over a 200m course. He added: “Eva is really excited about doing the race – I’m hoping it will be a lovely day which she will always remember.”
Last but not least the 14th July event will feature a unique ‘Suits v Skins Challenge’ which will involve racing the mile distance twice – once in a wetsuit, and once in plain speedos. The idea behind this is to negate the unnatural benefit that many proper swimmers claim is given by wearing neoprene.
Leave a Reply