The Fifth Annual Pissarro Great River Swim attracted a record entry for race of a 1000m course from Chiswick Pier and back.

The race was won by 32-year-old Andrew Allum (Serpentine Swimming Club) in a course record time of 12 mins 32 secs. The winner of the ladies race was Colette O’Neil (Hillingdon Triathletes) in 16 mins 33 secs.

Several swimmers including winner Andrew Allum chose not to wear wetsuits this year.

Chiswick residents taking part included Ian Cheyne of Chiswick Mall (14:51) who beat his brother George by four minutes and 65-year-old Robin Hunter (24:08) of Riverview Grove who was beaten by his younger brother Jeremy (22:46). Philip Timms of Stile Hall Gardens completed the swim in 23:42.

The Chiswick Sea Cadets patrolled the course and were on hand to assist any swimmers who got into difficulties but everyone including the plucky Una Hodgkins who was the last to finish in 35:11 completed the course under their own steam.

September 20, 2006