670 contestants participated in today's Big Shoulders 2.5K and 5k Open Water Long Distance Swim Classic in Lake Michigan. Water temperature was a balmy 72 degrees. Sunny skies produced air temperatures in the mid-seventies.
As usual, Chicago Masters did a super job of organizing this event. Results were available very promptly at the conclusion - love that electronic timing! If past performance is any guide, they'll be posting the results for your viewing pleasure at www.bigshoulders.org in a very timely fashion.
This is a challenging and fun event and worth of consideration by any serious OW swimmer even when it isn't the national championship.
Thank you Chicago Masters for a job well done!
Parents
Former Member
Maybe the best way to address knelson's point is to create an after party or some other reason for folks to stay around. One event I am working with is considering doing the awards an hour after the event at a wine tasting.
From and event director's point of view, one potential problem with giving awards while the race is still in progress is that it is possible that our more senior age group winners could still be in the water. I was at a race this summer where one of the last finishers was an 92 year old. It would have been a real bummer for him and for me to not see him get his award with everyone else.
If the gap gets too large, a time limit can be imposed to end the offiical race at a certain time. That will also allow a time certain awards ceremony.
I couldn't make it this year, but hope to see everyone there next year.
Maybe the best way to address knelson's point is to create an after party or some other reason for folks to stay around. One event I am working with is considering doing the awards an hour after the event at a wine tasting.
From and event director's point of view, one potential problem with giving awards while the race is still in progress is that it is possible that our more senior age group winners could still be in the water. I was at a race this summer where one of the last finishers was an 92 year old. It would have been a real bummer for him and for me to not see him get his award with everyone else.
If the gap gets too large, a time limit can be imposed to end the offiical race at a certain time. That will also allow a time certain awards ceremony.
I couldn't make it this year, but hope to see everyone there next year.
