Big Shoulders Open Water Concludes Despite Difficult Weather

CHICAGO, Illinois, September 10. BATTLING cold temperatures, brutal winds and potential thunderstorms, the more than 650 participants in the Big Shoulders Open Water Swim Classic held in Chicago, Ill., on Saturday weathered the elements to complete their own personal race goals.

Jeff Erwin, the Masters World Open Water Champ, took home the overall 5k title by completing the course in 58:10. He finished just ahead of local Rich Kramer’s 59:14, who hails from Naperville, Ill. Jim Dugan of Bozeman, Mt., rounded out the overall podium with a third-place 1:01:05.

Shannon Mingo of Bethesda, Md., was the first female to complete the 5k with a time of 1:02:34, while Nadine Day of Danville, Ill., touched behind her in 1:05:10.

In the 2.5k, Bryan Malas claimed the title in front of a partisan hometown crowd with a 33:44. Another local native, Bryan Mason placed second in 34:22, while Los Alamos, N.M., product Dave Higdon finished third in 35:01.

Vanessa Meyer won the women’s 2.5k crown with a 40:52 to finish ahead of Nichole Sheehan’s 41:32.

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