SwimTrek guests and guides alike were part of the hundreds of passionate open water fanatics participating in the 2018 Best Fest Open Water Swimming Festival in Mallorca this May. The festival sees swimmers from around the world gathering to compete in a series of both fun and challenging events as well as providing the opportunity to meet fellow keen swimmers. With the Best Fest including eight events over seven days with three competitive races and five fun open water swims, there's something for every type of open water swimmer!
Below is SwimTrek guide Mark's photo diary of his time at the festival, before starting guide work on our Introduction to Open Water and Open Water Development trips in Colonia Sant Jordi.
This 5K group photo was taken just before the start of the Colonia Classic 3, a 10k/7k race on Es Trenc Beach. Pictured are Raha Akhaven (Iran), Peggy Stringer (USA), Amy Taylor (USA), SwimTrek Guide Mark Johnston (USA), Ceri Edwards (England), and Michelle Sanders (Germany). These established SwimTrek veterans have been on trips across the world, including Mallorca, Montenegro, Nevis to Kitts, the Maldives, Greece, and the USA.
Guide Mark Johnston and SwimTrekker Ceri Edwards took top honours in their respective categories in the Overall Championship (1.5K, 5K, and 10K). Coach Mark pulled the “age card” and was pleased with his 2 out of 3 victories over the speedy Ceri!
SwimTrekkers Raha Akhaven (Iran), Sandy Mitchell (USA), Peggy Stringer (USA), and Amy Taylor (USA) finished on top of the podium in the Women’s 4 x 500M Fresh Water Relay to culminate the week. Coach Mark and the men’s relay lost the bet to the women with the payoff of ice cream at the Hostal Colonial, arguably the best ice cream on the island.
Coach Mark making lots of new friends over the course of the festival!
