Irish Long
Distance Championship 17 km & The National Championship 17 km (Swim
Ireland)
Lough Erne
Saturday 04
August 2012
Carrybridge Co
Fermangh Northern Ireland to Enniskillen Lakeland Forum Northern Ireland
The
Erne system comprises the Upper Lough, the Lower Lough and approximately 12km
of river joining the two Loughs.
The
location in all it’s beauty offers the Irish Championship at 17km Open Water
Swim.
It
is the longest Open Water swim on the Irish Swim Calendar and as well as acting
a huge and significant goal in the championship it has acted as a stepping
stone for the longer events such as the English Channel and beyond.
Fresh
Water swimming is on the up in Ireland and this race attracts participants for
far and wide, where the country is surrounded by challenging water and
coastline the inland waterways have a equal challenge to its swimmers.
The
lake in its nature is quite challenging and the temperatures vary at 14deg
upwards but the freshwater is very dependant on the climate as the water
running off the land can really affect the water temperature. Fine
weather can equally increase the temperature.
.
The
Irish Record is held by Colm O Neill Dublin, in 3hrs 46mins a mere 14 minutes
slower than the course record held by Simon Lee England at 3hrs 32mins
significantly both set in 2003. Weather has a lot to play in Open Water.
Lough
Erne itself has hosted some amazing challenges including a 50 mile relay
challenge since 2007 initially set by world record holder Julie
Bradshaw,MBE Nuala Moore Cochrane and
their team at a fantastic 22hrs 12mins and despite several attempts through the
years the record was finally broken last summer with a super team including
Fermanagh man Graham Little, Colin Hill and their team.
So
if it is the Irish Championship that is attracting you, canoeing, supporting or
the thoughts of challenges bigger than the 17km Lough Erne is the place for
you.
Please
contact us at
