Race to Prince's Bridge

The Race To Prince's Bridge was an annual swimming race in the Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia. The race was "one of the chief swimming events in the world", with a world record 623 entrants in 1929. The race ceased running in 1991 due to high levels of pollution in the Yarra River. However, the race was also cancelled due to pollution concerns from 1963 until 1987.

The 3 mile course runs from the old Twickenham Ferry crossing (now MacRobertson Bridge) downstream to Princes Bridge (formerly Prince's Bridge) in the heart of Melbourne. The race has changed course several times throughout history, starting from as far upstream as Macaulay's boatsheds, Studley Park.

The race often attracted a large number of spectators, who were able to cheer on competitors from the banks of the river or from floating crafts among the swimmers. The high popularity of the event as a spectator friendly occasion is well documented:

"It is without a doubt the most popular aquatic event of the season...The banks of the river for the whole three miles were lined with groups of interested spectators, and over the last two miles hundreds of motor-cars followed the race" The Australasian, 8 March 1930.

"Now regarded as the most important long distance swim in Australia..." The Referee, 11 March 1931

"The race was followed with great attention by many spectators, and the contests were keen", The Bathurst Times, Jan 29, 1913.

"A great crowd of persons of both sexes assembled at the wharf at Grange-road to witness the start of the race, and other spectators were in motor or other boats on the river...The banks of the river on either side of the different bridges were lined with sightseers...On arriving at Princes-bridge there was a large concourse of people to witness the finish." The Age, Jan 27, 1914.

The first event was held on January 27, 1913, in which 44 swimmers completed the race conducted by the Victorian Amateur Swimming Association. In following years, the race soon grew to become a premier swimming event with the inclusion of high-profile competitors, notably Ivan Stedman and Frank Beaurepaire. The earliest known footage of the race is from the 1932 event that attracted 549 entrants. The swim began as a handicap race, with a team category (awarded the 3LO Cup) to cater for the local swimming clubs.

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