Race #132

The Structured Finance Stroke & Stride series entered its 18th season on a sun-drenched afternoon at Mission Bay.  More than 350 swimrun athletes braved a bit of chop in the bay and a brisk headwind after the run turnaround to finish the 500 metre swim and 5km run that was the first of the eight race series.

First out of the water for the women, who started first, was Rebecca Clarke, to the surprise of few.  The strong swimmer was first out of transition as well, after a 6m 46s swim, and off on the 5km run.  Defending Series Champion Carmel Hanly was in hot pursuit, however, and quickly took over on the run, asserting her authority over the field.  Hanly made up the 23 second deficit in next to no time, widened her lead as the kilometers ticked off, and cruised down the 200 metre sand stretch to victory on the beach.  Elizabeth Orchard and Jenny Cooper were second and third, respectively.  Marisa Carter headed home Renee Holtom for fourth place while Clarke ended up ninth.

The men, who started 10 minutes later, had even more chop in the water than the women.  It made no difference to Stroke & Stride legend Brent Foster, who assumed his customary spot as first out of the water, after a swim of 5m 55s. His lead out on the run was not as large as he had hoped, however, and he was eventually passed by three fleet-footed guys: Blair Jordan, Liam Scopes, and James Elvery.  Jordan eventually pulled away for his first ever Stroke & Stride win but only just, with Scopes taking second by a few strides and Elvery finishing third.  Foster finished fourth, just 20 seconds out of first and just in front of Sam Walker.