Courtesy: Brogan Open Water Classic
OHIO Masters Swim Club hosted the 29th Annual Brogan Open Water Classic on July 14 at Edgewater Beach in Cleveland. The event was sanctioned by U.S. Masters Swimming and supported by Cleveland Metroparks, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Edgewater Yacht Club.
96 swimmers, ranging in age from 18 to 77, took on the challenge of ½-mile, 1-mile and 2-mile open water races. Lake Erie offered perfect conditions in view of the Cleveland skyline.
In the 2-mile race, Christian Vanderkaay, of Michigan Masters, was the first man out of the water in a quick 38:43. Kristen Bergmann, of OHIO Masters, was fourth overall and led the women in a time of 44:33.
Andrew McCollister, of OHIO Masters, led the men in the 1-mile race with a time of 22:04. Beth D’Arcy, swimming unattached, was fifth overall and the first woman out of the water in 25:37.
In the half-mile race, Jennifer Pula, swimming unattached, finished first for the women in 15:22. Thomas Spence led the men in a time of 15:54.
All results can be found here.
The Brogan Open Water Classic is named for Marianne and Doug Brogan who pioneered open water racing in Lake Erie in 1989. Marianne, who passed away in 2016, led a life focused on healthy living and an active lifestyle. Giving back to the community was an important tenet of her life, as shown by her participation in raising funds for charities that focused on the needs of children.
The Brogan Open Water Classic is a fundraiser for the Malachi Center’s Urban Kids Swim Camp. This year our participants, along with OHIO Masters, raised nearly $1500 for this program that teaches inner city children how to swim. We think of ourselves as Big Swimmers helping Little Swimmers.
2019 will be the 30th year for the Brogan Open Water Classic. Plan now to be part of the fun! Details will be posted here or you can follow us on Facebook.