1,700 individuals completed the 2.9 km State Harbour Crossing in today’s opening leg of the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.

The participants included several well-known New Zealanders including athletes like former All Blacks winger and now Blues rugby coach Sir John Kirwan.

He finished the race in 51:06 with former triathlon great Rick Wells, who helped Kirwan with his training.

“I’m really happy. It was a fantastic experience. It was great swimming with Rick and I got into rhythm and enjoyed it. I’m a proud Aucklander. So, to be actually able to swim the Harbour that you’ve been driving around and looking at your whole life, is a real achievement,” Sir Kirwan said.

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