SOTO makes a splash at Wollongong aquathon

SOTO’s band of sports enthusiasts joined the throngs recently for the welcome return of Splash Wollongong.

Splash Wollongong is a mix of events, including swims, aquathons, and swim-runs. It attracts hundreds of competitors, from first-timers to seasoned endurance athletes who take to the waters around North Wollongong and Wollongong Harbour each year.

Traditionally held on Australia Day, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the event to be delayed until Autumn, giving swimmers the additional challenge of cooler water temperatures.

To add more interest to the event, a forecast for a large swell meant changing the course start and finish line location to the more protected waters of Wollongong Harbour.

SOTO was represented by its team of enthusiastic athletes, as well as being an event sponsor, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the local economy through events that draw visitors to the region in large numbers.

The SOTO team featured nine athletes who took part in the Little Aqua event, which included a 400-metre swim and a 3-kilometre run.  

Event organisers Activate Sport Events reported that despite the delay and weather challenges, Splash Wollongong was a major success. Competitor and crowd numbers were larger than in 2020, and the field of entrants came from far and wide, aged from 6 to 75, and included four Olympians.

Rob Battocchio from Activate Sport Events said that putting on a fun and safe event was a highlight.

“We are supported by a large contingent of not-for-profits and sponsors like SOTO without whom the event could not proceed.”