The Great North Swim 2018
The second weekend in June (Friday 8th to Sunday 10th June) is a thoroughly exciting time here in the Lake District, as swimmers and spectators in their thousands arrive to take on the challenge of The Great North Swim.
The open water swim is a race on Lake Windermere that aims to test the individual’s perseverance, stamina and fitness whilst actively encouraging a fun day out for the whole family.
Grab your goggles and get ready for the largest outdoor fun swim in the North!
The History
The Great North Swim interests thousands of participants each year and in 2017 celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Traditionally held at Low Wood Bay on Windermere, due to the race’s increasing popularity this year it has moved to a new site at Brockhole on Windermere, which is a mile south from its previous location.
The new site is said to allow for an even better experience for swimmers and spectators, including more car parking on site and a fantastic entertainment schedule.
The challenge is open to participants as young as 8 with entries beginning at only £15; you can register to swim here.
What It Entails
There are several options available for this year’s Great North Swim, ensuring that it is accessible for all abilities.
The Swim250 option is the shortest length and equates to 10 lengths of the 25m pool you might find at your local sports centre.
The distances increase from here to include several different options: a ½ mile swim, a 1 mile swim, 2 miles, 5K and finally a 10K for those who are able to take on the challenge!.
The race welcomes a range of abilities and ages each year, with a huge 33% of swimmers from 2017 being complete beginners.
Last year over £2 million was raised for charity from over 10,000 finishers, and with 11% being under 25 and 3% being over 61, the race truly is for everyone who wants to give it a go.
Interested? Why not take your challenge to even greater heights with the Great North SwimRun?
The SwimRun, which was introduced in 2017 and welcomes participants in pairs that will embark on a mixed journey complete with running and swimming over short, middle or endurance distances.
Certainly not one for the fainthearted, yet a tremendous achievement as you cross the finish line.
Do I Have To Swim?
No! Each year the event welcomes spectators in their thousands who cheer on friends and family members as they tackle the challenge.
You can stay nice and dry if you’d prefer and soak up the amazing atmosphere that an event of this calibre invites.
In addition, this year there are several on-land delights to look forward to such as family activities on site, food stalls showcasing local tasty treats and even a craft beer tent for all of those important post-swim celebrations.
Acoustic music and entertainment will accompany your day, so don’t forget to put it in your diary!
Complete Your Visit With A Stay At Windermere Marina
Why not make your trip to the stunning Lake District one to remember and make a holiday of it?
Here at Windermere Marina Village, we have a variety of luxury self-catering accommodation which is only a short distance from the starting point of The Great North Swim. The added advantage of staying with us at Windermere Marina Village is that you will be able to reach Brockhole without the need to drive. We are just a short walk to Bowness Pier where you can catch a water ferry with Windermere Lake Cruises to the jetty at Brockhole where the event is held.
Self catering accommodation with us starts at £520 for a 2 night break based on 4 sharing.
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