The first race of this year’s edition of the Birkirkara St Joseph Open Sea Swimming Series was held recently and was hosted by the Bognor Regis Sports Club of Bugibba. Mark Zammit clocked the best time over the 2 kilometre distance in 31 minutes 3 seconds. First female to finish was Isabelle Zarb in 37 minutes 43 seconds.

This year the organizers experienced a sharp drop in the number of participants, mainly due to the persistent jellyfish invasion. A number of swimmers had to abandon their swim half way through the race.

Mark Zammit lead Dermot Galea and Keith Galea both joint second in 31 minutes 4 seconds. Second female was Susan Farrugia in 48 minutes 36 seconds followed by Tamsin Pace in 57 minutes 55 seconds.