NEW MARATHON SWIM ANNOUNCED FOR THE GOLD COAST

03.09.2019

World Series Swims has today announced a new marathon distance ocean swimming event for the Gold Coast, to be held on May 30, 2020.

SWIM THE GOLD COAST is a 21.5km open water swim, from Coolangatta Beach to Surfers Paradise and is open to both individual and team participation.

The new concept is a collaboration between World Series Swims, Australian Olympic legend, Michael Klim, and his leading skincare company Milk & Co.

Klim, who has been the ambassador for the successful Cooly Classic Ocean Swim on the Gold Coast, is excited to be launching a new event in Queensland that will have international appeal.

“We have been talking about this concept for a while so we’re excited to be making it happen in 2020”

“It allows swimmers from around the world to swim the entire length of this iconic coastline”

“The finish beneath the Surfers Paradise skyscrapers is spectacular from out on the course – this event is one of a kind”

While conquering the Gold Coast as a solo competitor will be appealing for many seasoned swimmers, World Series Swims Director, John Guise, says the teams category is a real focus of the event.

“The team option makes a marathon swim accessible to swimmers of any ability – the 21km course can be broken up into distances to suit each swimmer. Teams conquer the Gold Coast together, it’s a really unique experience”

Conditions also play an important part for the event, so the scheduling of it has been carefully considered.

“In autumn the Gold Coast swell drops right off and it becomes a swimmers paradise, the boat trip alone will be amazing”.

Early interest has been strong with leading Australian swimmers already eyeing the inaugural honours, including prolific Victorian marathon swimmer, Sam Sheppard. Sheppard won the coveted Rottnest Channel Swim in 2019 and is a retired Australian Dolphin.

Sheppard will be putting together his own team to take on the event and assisting Swimming Australia with a training program through their iSwim app.  Sam’s iSwim program will be designed for open water swimmers, providing skills and sessions for racing.

The competition among teams will be strong with event sponsor, Engine Swim, confirming they’ll be selecting their top surf sports athletes to take on the inaugural event where prizemoney will be on offer for both solo swimmers and teams.

“The relay nature of the event makes it really exciting for teams. While one member swims, the others cheer them on from their Support Boat – it will be a great atmosphere out on the water and at the finish line” says Engine Swim Director and Olympian, Andrew Lauterstein.

Entries will be limited in year one and organisers expect the event to sell out.  Interested swimmers are advised to complete a free 'pre-registration' now to secure their place ahead of general entries opening in October.

SWIM THE GOLD COAST will be held on Saturday May 30. For more information on the event visit www.worldseriesswims.com.au or follow on Facebook and Instagram @WorldSeriesSwims and @SwimtheGoldCoast

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