DANS CUP WINTER LOOP OCEAN SWIM

The 7th Dan's Cup Winter Loop Ocean Swim drew 70 participants into a powerful currents and strong wind gusts leaving some swimming in one place for several strokes. "At one point, I don't think I was moving forward," said second time 5000meter participant Pat Rollo. But stroke currents only aided 3-time 5K champion Tasi Limitiaco who utilized a coastal current to reach the first turn and held his lead throughout. "The beginning was strong" noted 1st place female Rione Ema. The 1000meter loop-shaped course started in front the Ypao Beach lifeguard tower, aimed towards the PIC hotel, out towards the reef before circling back towards the Hilton hotel and then initial start line. Participants in the 5K course, swam the course five times, and likewise for participants in the 2K. Justin Fell and Sanda Gugin were first male and female out of the water in the 2K course, while Yuya Kitadake ran away with first place by nearly 3 minutes in the 1000meter race. Graced with good spectator weather and estimated 250 people attended the event either as spectator or participant. Greater Pacific Aquatics, Tsunami Swim Club, Guam Swimming Federation, Fokai Industries, Guam Fire Rescue, Guam Marine Patrol and the DPR Lifeguards contributed again a fun successful morning swim!

Dan O'Keeffe, Event Director