Kicking off proceedings on another action-packed day at Dorney Lake on Sunday 4th September was the WomenOnly Swim.

Arriving bright and early, a cheerful crowd of ladies filled the event village, greeting their fellow open water swimmers and offering tips and advice to the numerous first-timers. Any nerves were soon settled by this friendly and supportive atmosphere that has come to characterise the event.

Human Race official swim partner, Zone3, saw plenty of activity at their tent as late-season bargains were snapped up and participants treated themselves to a new wetsuit or pair of goggles ahead of the swim.

Chatting to participants, it was great to hear from a number who were using the swim to raise money for official charity, Breast Cancer Care. A huge ‘thank you’ for all your efforts in supporting this fantastic cause!

First into the water were those taking on the 3km swim, and their swim caps quickly became colourful dots on the horizon as they set off down the lake. After four laps of the 750m course, Sophie Enever was the first of this wave to emerge from the water in a time of 49:15. The only other lady to finish in under 50 minutes was Jess Blake who came home in 49:34. Third place went to Gillian Mcalister with her time of 50:55.

The second wave of the day was made up of the women taking on the 1.5km swim. First place went to Issy Baxter who posted a very fast time of 21:47, she was followed in second place by Jasmine Wills in 25:55 and in third place by Rachael Lock in 28:46.

Last off was the 750m swim. For many in this wave, this was a first open water swim and so it was fantastic to once again see the more experienced participants offer so much encouragement to the newcomers as they entered the water. Once the starter’s horn sounded, it was Rebecca Kirby who surged ahead and crossed the line first in a superlative time of 13:38. Second place went to Polly Portwin who finished in 16:12, with third placed Gemma Stevens close behind in a time of 16:41.

Regardless of their finishing position, there was hardly a competitor that crossed the line without a broad smile on their face. It was clear to see that plenty of personal milestones had been reached on another fantastic morning in the waters of Dorney Lake.

Full results from the WomenOnly Swim can be found here.