Most people take in the sights of New York on foot, maybe in an iconic yellow taxi, or even on an open-air bus, but to enthusiastic open water swimmers, that might sound a bit…boring. Well, here is an inspiring alternative for those who love the water and embrace extreme challenges. Every year, some of the world’s most ‘dedicated’ open water swimmers compete in the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (MIMS) – the only open water event to circumnavigate an entire city, taking in iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge along the way.
But this is no mean feat. Swimmers are only accepted for the gruelling 46km race once they have completed an official qualifying swim, to prove that they’ve got what it takes. Many opt for the two-or three- person relay option, with a brave contingent of solo swimmers taking on the full distance by themselves. The marathon can take up to ten hours to complete, and each entrant must provide their own crew members, who follow in a boat, providing the necessary support, food and hydration to keep them going.
MIMS comprises one third of the Triple Crown of open water swimming, which also includes the English Channel and the Catalina Channel swims. Women seem to be dominating the field at the moment: Grace Van der Byl was the first finisher in this year’s MIMS, just minutes ahead of the first male, whilst Charlotte Samuels has just become the youngest person ever to join the Triple Crown hall of fame, at just sixteen. These American ladies are a force to be reckoned with!
Could this be your next challenge?
To find out more visit: http://www.nycswim.org/Event/Event.aspx?Event_ID=2402
