Tampa Bay Marathon
By Robbie Allen
On Earth day April 22 six area swimmers took part in the 24-mile across Tampa Bay swim. They did the Potomac Valley proud by finishing 1 -2 in the relay competition.
Experience won out over youth as both teams ended up rescuing other teams from the chop of Tampa Bay. Both teams were worried about a three women team of Olympic trial qualifiers from the University of Florida who we expected to dominate the race. However a wave capsized their kayak early in the race resulting in their needing rescue by PV Relay One. PV Relay Two worked its way through the field rescuing so many swamped solos and relays that their boat was severely overloaded by the time they reached the finish. Less than half of those who started the race where able to complete the course before darkness fell.
PV Relay One swimming as the "Faded Old Speedos" featured Robbie Allen (34), Ed Zerkle (28), and New Yorker Rod O'Conner finished the race in 9:15:40. PV Relay two swimming as "Team OAS" featured Rose Rice (26), Andrew Johnson (34) and 13-year-old Guillermo Garcia finished the race in 9:43:19.
For more information on the Tampa Bay swim, go to http://distancematters.com/