Chatoor, Yorke headline Subway Maracas open

The 2017 edition of the Subway Maracas Open Water Classic splashes off at Maracas Bay with 300 participants confirmed to compete in the annual event, from 8 am, this morning.

The 5000-metre swim starts at 8 am and defending champion Graham Chatoor of Marlins Swim Club is expected to be a top contender in the 25-athlete field.

Chatoor, who medalled for Trinidad and Tobago in long distance swims at both CARIFTA and CCCAN, is looking forward to the challenge.

“I am confident in my abilities. You never know what you are going to meet on the day in an open water event. It is not something you can be complacent about. It is a challenging event and I am looking forward to it.”

At 10 am, the 1km swim is scheduled to start. Previously, this race was a 750m course for 12 and Under athletes, but the revised 1km loop course has formed this amended distance.

Additionally, to attract senior athletes who may not wish to do the longer distance, a new 1km race for 13 and Over competitors has also been introduced.

The 12 and Under race has attracted 80 participants while 65 will compete in the 13 and Over 1km race.

One hundred and thirty athletes will compete in the 3000m swim, with defending champion Kael Yorke of Tidal Wave Aquatics seeking to retain the title for the third consecutive year. The 3000m swim replaces the 2650m distance.

“I am looking forward to fierce competition which makes the race even more enjoyable,” Yorke said. “I am hoping to successfully defend my title and use this as a platform for more success in the future as I train for the December Invitational and to qualify for 2018 regional games and Youth Olympics.”

This is the fourth successive year Subway is partnering with the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago for this race which is one of the longest running races in the Americas. The race attracts persons of all ages with many special prizes for masters (25 and Over) age groups.