26th Cape Paterson Aquathon competition: All the photos

Hundreds of people gathered at the 26th Cape Paterson Aquathon on the weekend to watch more than 300 entrants compete in a thrilling 400m surf swim and 4.4km run. See all the pictures.

Hundreds of people gathered at the 26th Cape Paterson Aquathon on the weekend to watch more than 300 entrants compete in a thrilling 400m surf swim and 4.4km run, ending the day at the Cape Tavern to enjoy some refreshing drinks. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Crowds of people flocked to the Cape Paterson Aquathon on the weekend, where they watched hundreds of entrants compete in a thrilling 400m surf swim and 4.4km run.

The event, organised by the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club and sponsored by the Bass Coast Shire Council, commenced at 10am on Sunday in the small seaside town.

More than 300 entrants registered in the competition — and categories included male and female juniors with ages ranging from 14 to 17, M/F 18 plus, M/F 40 plus, M/F 50 plus and teams.

The race started at First Surf Beach with the 400m surf swim, and swimmers then went up the stairs to the transition area and completed a 4.4km run around the township of Cape Paterson.

“The 26th Cape Paterson Aquathon was a record-breaking event, with over 300 entrants, a record number, more than 100 volunteers to help it run smoothly, even more spectators and very quick (record) times,” Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club life member Karen Marangio said.

“Awesome times, with Callum McClusky and Christopher Deegan under 19 minutes, and Zoe Clarke was the first female and fifth overall.

Cowes local Justin Tilley and Cape Paterson local Tiarnie Ellinworth won the overall local categories.

“Large numbers of entrants return each year,” Ms Marangie said.

“Congratulations to Gary O’Connor (20th Aqua), Mark Rowe (15th Aqua), and our 10th year awardees: Julian Bartlett, Mitchell Diston, Andre Heterbrueg, Helen Toman, Aurel Wachter & Bill Yusko.

“It is our major fundraising event for the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club — with money raised going directly to the beach patrols and water safety operations.”

Ms Marangie added it was a perfect day, with perfect weather, a perfect tide and perfect community for this event.

Ms Marangie’s husband Simon, who is also a life member of the club, said the day was very successful.

“There was a fantastic spirit and enthusiasm from the spectators — so everyone had an enjoyable day,” Mr Marangie said.

“There were smiles all around.”

“This year it went up that next leg and the connection with the community — every year we get so many people coming back — a real core group — and they just want to participate,” Ms Marangie said.

She also gave a special thanks to the Cape Tavern that assisted with the event.

Cape Paterson local and regular competitor Fergus O’Connor spent his 32nd birthday at the aquathon, competing in the race once again.

The results and presentations of the race took place 90 minutes after the competition concluded.

The event is the first in the Bass Coast Series of 2024, followed by the San Remo Channel Challenge on February 10, the Cowes Classic on March 2 and concluding with the Little Penguin Dash — an aquathon for kids — on the same day.

The Herald Sun captured crowd and environment shots on the day, so see all the snaps and check if you were featured.

To see the results of the day, continue below.