Some 1,200 swimmers arrived at Hampton Court Palace to take part in the inaugural 2.25-mile Nokia Thames Swim.

The event, organised by Human Race, passed through Thames Ditton and onto Ravens Ait before finishing at the chestnut trees at Kingston Bridge.

First home was Michael Adams in 42 minutes 43 seconds, closely followed by Richard Stannard (43.52) and Guy Giles (45.11).

Stannard: “What a great venue.

“It was a fantastic place to start a race and I'm definitely looking forward to doing it again next year. I want to win it next year.”

Danni Pryor was first woman finisher and fourth overall (45.34).

Olympic silver medallist open water swimmer Kerri-Anne Payne, having just returned from the Open Water Championships, completed the event with her father in a still-impressive 47.50.

She said: “The race was amazing. The water was nice and warm and the location is brilliant.

“To swim but not race was really enjoyable.

“I had a great time out in the water talking and encouraging people on their way.”

Next women were Faye Barnard (48.40) and Kay Hamilton (52.23).

Another Olympian on show in the Thames as rower Toby Garbett, who came home in 52.41.

Chris Jones from sponsors Nokia said "Nokia are delighted to have brought the first ever Nokia Thames Swim to such an iconic location as the River Thames. Innovative events such as these are chosen because they are perfect for the Nokia Outdoor Series, they enable people to train in the great outdoors with friends and family.”

Human Race founder John Lunt was equally pleased with how the day turned out adding: "The swim was a great success. This is something I've always wanted to do, stage an event where you can't normally swim, and the support that we've had today has exceeded all expectations".

The swim however was not only a feat self endeavour but swam by many of the competitors in aid of those less fortunate. Rebecca Poyntz of WaterAid, the official charity of the swim, noted "We had over 100 swimmers, it was the first swimming event we've been involved in and it's been a great success. I'd like to thank our fund raisers who we expect to have raised over £10,000 for WaterAid, this will go towards helping some of the poorest people in the world gain access to clean water and sanitation".

For details on all future Human Race events including the The Great Big Open Water Swim, on Saturday September 4th please visit www.humanrace.co.uk