Stars join enduro swim

Cameron Jones and Matt Chamberlain in training. Photo / Michael Craig

Chamberlain and Jones take up harbour challenge in Auckland.

Two Shortland Street actors are set to take the ultimate plunge this morning.

Matt Chamberlain, who plays bar owner Murray Cooper, and Cameron Jones, better known as dreamy ambulance officer Dallas Adams, will join the 1600 entrants in the popular 2.9km Auckland Harbour crossing.

Jones, who also had a role as King Thranduil's Lieutenant in the blockbuster Hobbit trilogy and has previously spoken about his desire to pursue an acting career in Hollywood, said the long-distance swim represented a major milestone as he battled a chronic disease.

"With type one diabetes, long distance or endurance activities are difficult and they can be quite scary," Jones, 20, said. "I have always wanted to do an ocean swim - it's been on my bucket list - and I love being in water."

He used to do a lot of swimming but stopped in his teens. He then became involved in surf lifesaving and surfing. His main aim was to avoid cramp and finish the race.

Chamberlain said he had been thinking about entering for the past three years and when he heard his friend and co-star was doing it he decided to also take the plunge.

Preparation for today's race included pool training three times a week, swimming in the harbour, doing weights sessions and cycling.

Organisers said up to three generations of families had lined up to swim together in the event. The oldest participant was 84-year-old Sid Salek. The swim from Quinton Park, Bayswater, would finish city-side at the Viaduct Events Centre.

Swimmers would be removed from the water if they did not reach the first buoy within 42 minutes of starting.