2020 Aquathon Series – Rafferty & Ruscheinski Strike First
The beautiful tranquil waters of Smuggler’s Cove greeted competitors for the first leg of the BVI Aquathon Series. With no teams present all competitors elected to take on the tough swim, run, swim, run course solo, intent on putting down an early marker in the three race challenge.
True to form Natasha Ruscheinski and Shane Donovan set the early pace in the swim with Colm Rafferty lurking in their mirror and visiting tourist Remi Craquelin threatening in fourth. Sarah Bolt, Johanna Murphy and Joe McIvor followed not so far behind, tracked by the Crossfitters Caroline Sorrentino, Tom Wilson, Greg O’Keefe-Davis and Adam Brewin in the midfield. Also in the mix was a returning Jules Potgeiter and speedy runner Reuben Stobey testing his sea legs with Chris Smith featuring for the tennis legends holding a sensible pace followed by the effervescent Adrian Paramas.
On to the run and Colm made his move breezing into the lead closely followed by Remi whilst Joe, Reuben and Tom all made gains. In the ladies event Jo, Caroline and Jules all closed in on Tash.
The second swim was a real test of endurance and adaptability. Tash’s swim skills again took her away from the pack providing a big cushion heading into the final run whilst Colm retained first place notwithstanding a strong effort from Shane to close the gap.
At the finish Tash won the ladies followed by Jo and Caroline. Remi managed to run past a tiring Shane to claim second, whilst Colm strode away from the field to claim his first BVI victory with a fine performance.
After the first event, Colm and Tash currently lead the 2020 Aquathon Series; next event is the Brewer’s Bay Aquathon on Sunday, 29 March.
