Adam Ellenstein aims to set world record for swimming down Okanagan Lake

An endurance athlete is attempting to set a Guinnessworld record for fastest swim alongthe length of Okanagan Lake from Vernon to Penticton, B.C.

Ultra-distance athleteAdam Ellenstein, 39, expects to complete the 105-kilometre swim in about 40 hours.

"This swim has never been done before and it's Adam's intention to do it the fastest," said his aunt, SusanScarlett. "He's setting the bar."

Ellenstein started Monday shortly before6 a.m. PT, and Scarlettsaid so farthe world record attempt is going swimmingly.

By mid-afternoon on Monday, Ellenstein had swam about 24 kilometres.

Feeling the love

Scarlett said he's being supported by a 19-person crew that includes a lead kayak for him to follow, another kayak feeding him a steady supply of asugar and protein drink, and a pontoon boat as extra backup.

The crew also includes a houseboat with supporters, whom Ellenstein occasionally invites to jump into the water and swim alongside him for support.

"The mood is all about helping Adam feel the love," Scarlett said."He is out there doing this extraordinary thing. What he has said is his crew is the most important part of any endeavour that he does."

Scarlettsaid she was the first person to swim with her nephew an honour, she said, given that he has dedicated the worldrecord attempt in her name.

'Magical and thrilling and humbling' swim

Scarlettwas diagnosed with Parkinson's last fall, andEllensteinhas partnered with the Davis PhinneyFoundation toraise awareness and support for people diagnosed with the disease.

"It was a beautiful experience. It was magical and thrilling and humbling," she said of the early-morning swim. "There's something bigger than what is happening. It's really quite stunning."

Ellensteinis a U.S. citizen basedin Birmingham, Mich. Scarlett said he started competing in ultra-distance triathlons about five years ago.

The longest swim he's completed to date, she said, was to swim the 29 kilometres downLake Winnipeg, which he completed in about 13 hours.