Officials said numbers were up across the board for the fun run, bike ride and ocean swims.

The Harris Plumbing 1200 metre Splash for Cash illustrated the turnout well, with 183 swimmers taking to the water, up by about 40 entries on last year. 

“We had the most entries ever in the Bike Bash and the most participants ever in the 1200m Harris Plumbing Splash for Cash,” officials said on social media. 

The 2019 event mimicked the almost flawless conditions of last year with clear, warm water and balmy 27 degree sunshine on the beach. 

“[It was] one of the best events we’ve ever had, on a beautiful sunny day with warm water and only a few blue bottles.”

Despite the huge numbers in the headline swim, officials said the top-three finishers from the men’s event were all absent this year. 

“Our top three aren’t competing today, so that could really see a changing of the guard,” emcee Ian Campbell told the large crowd.

Nicholas Allnut took line honours, crossing in 15 minutes 40 seconds, just seven seconds ahead of women’s winner Victoria Bushell. 

Eden sibilings Georgia and Jack Caldwell had a stellar swim, finishing second and third respectively in their divisions. 

The duo also claimed outright victories in their age divisions, Georgia winning the 14-17 years almost a minute clear of her nearest rival, while also edging another local in boys winner Zak Kelly. 

Jack claimed line honours for the 10-13 age group, while Phoebe Miller led the girls home just a few seconds behind. 

Officials said it was a great result for the pair, while Jack particularly had been loving beach activities as part of the Pambula Surf Life Saving Club. 

Bega swim coach Zoe Philipzen topped her age race, while Matthew Innes had a personal cheer squad when he won his age division and claimed second in the 1200m. 

Tathra lifesaver Sharon George was also a popular winner of her age race getting a big roar from the crowd as she emerged from the water. 

Former MP Steve Whan was the men’s winner of the 50-59 division with a cracking swim of seven minutes, 45 seconds. 

Former Bega Pool operator Phil Harris topped the 60-69 age swim, but organisers said he would move to the 70-and-over age division next year. 

The BDN sports reporter had to eat his words as a receding tide meant there was a good run up the beach to the finish line. 

Shallow water also meant many were standing well before hitting the shoreline with droves of swimmers emerging from the waves into a last-stretch run. 

Organisers thanked everyone who took part and encouraged everyone to sign up next year. 

RESULTS:

The full competition results page is here 

Or click each link for individual event results –

1200m Harris Plumbing Splash for Cash. 

600m Age swims

10-13

14-17

18-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70 and over