All-time slowest 1500m swim?

Today I asked on the TRI-DRS email list about the slowest 1500 m swim times on record for that group, just to give myself a benchmark and let myself know how long I have to plan on swimming.

(Incidentally, someone recently asked me what my best advice was for people getting into triathlon. My #1 recommendation would be to join TRI-DRS and read and participate in it regularly! It's a fantastic list with a wealth of support and expertise at your fingertips. I've posed numerous dumb newbie questions there and every one has been answered with great patience and courtesy - plus I've gotten tons of reassurance and kind encouragement from the veteran and pro triathletes on the list.) Volume can get high at times, and there's some back-and-forth joking, but all in good humor.

The slowest recent swim times for female finishers of the Columbia Triathlon were 45:08 (2004); 52:25 (2003); and 52:18 (2002).

The two slowest 1500m swim times that TRI-DRS people were brave enough to mention were: 44:23 (Michael); and 1:13:38 (Ron, 1999).

Now Ron, one of my heroes, went on to finish the Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Kona in 2004. There is hope for all of us. :-) So Ron, I'll be thinking about you on Sunday, and if I still haven't emerged from the water after one hour and fourteen minutes (and I survive), you'll be hearing from me.