Epic conditions set up perfect day for Port to Pub as 1800 swimmers brave gruelling paddle

In conditions that contrasted wildly to last month’s cancelled Rotto Swim, competitors in the 2026 Mader Port to Pub race were blessed with near prefect weather on Saturday.

Ceinwen Williams, managing director of the race, said just under 1800 swimmers dived into the ocean at Fremantle bound for Hotel Rottnest.

“Everyone has said they’ve been able to see the bottom of the ocean the whole way —the water has been so clear,” she said.

“We had just under 1800 swimmers, but then when you add up the boats, the paddlers, the volunteers at sea rescue and the official boats, it’s probably around 4000 people (involved) all up.”

Ms Williams said the cancellation of the Rottnest Channel Swim meant several solo swimmers were added to the roster in previously sold-out categories.

This year, for the 10 year anniversary, we had a few teams of 10, which included a family, a whole family of brothers and sisters, we had a family of grandparents, parents and kids.

“It really is a swim for all,” Ms Williams said.

The event comprises two open water swim races over two distances from Leighton Beach to Rottnest Island – a 19.7km direct crossing and a 25km ultramarathon.

“We started with under 500 people in 2016 and to now have such a huge, successful, beautiful community event that’s raised over half a million dollars for WA charities,” Ms Williams said.

“The pub’s been cranking, the music’s cranking, and everyone’s in their port to pub hat, medals and towels.”

Crossing the line first overall for the solo 25km ultramarathon swim was Hayden Ferguson with a time of 05:54:16. The first female to cross the line in the gruelling race was Christine Murray with 06:24:43.