The one-week countdown to the Arla Great North Swim, the UK's most popular open water swimming event, has begun. The three-day event, situated at the breathtaking Brockhole on Windermere, anticipates welcoming around eight thousand swimmers from 9-11 June.
Among the roster of swimmers are award-winning broadcaster Ayo Akinwolere, political strategist and host of the hit podcast, The Rest is Politics Alastair Campbell, and TV doctor & Royal College of GPs (RCGP) Lifestyle and Physical Activity Clinical Champion, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi.
They will join thousands of others, including WaterAid fundraiser Mary-Ann, who only learned to swim last year but is now ready to take on the half-mile distance. The courage of swimmers like Mary-Ann, who have used swimming to overcome personal challenges and improve their mental health, truly embodies the spirit of the Arla Great North Swim.
The Arla Great North Swim isn't just about the swimming; it's also a vibrant celebration of the local community and environment. With beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage, the Lake District, land of Wordsworth and Wainwright, offers a stunning backdrop to this thrilling event.
Brockhole will come alive during the Arla Great North Swim weekend, offering something for the entire family. Alongside the open water swimming, attendees can enjoy outdoor activities and adventure play, local food and drink stalls, shopping, and much more.
This year, a variety of independent local food producers will set up shop, including Yardies Jamaican street food, Super8 Pizza, and Earthworm Kitchen. For post-swim celebrations, a beer tent will serve a selection of local Lakes beers.
Attendees can also visit partner and charity stalls, including our ‘Pre-Loved Pop Up' stand. Partnered with the Lake District Foundation, this stand will sell second-hand outdoor clothing and items, with all proceeds going to the Lake District Foundation. Donations of old gear, such as wetsuits, down jackets, goggles, and backpacks, are welcome at Brockhole, Lake District Visitor Centre, before the event.
The Great North Swim also includes the ever-popular Great North SwimRun, finally due to return for the first time since 2019. SwimRun is based on teamwork, passion, and closeness to nature as teams of two embark on a seamless journey across the landscape, taking on land and water, as they navigate their way around the Short, Middle and Endurance distances.
The Arla Great North Swim features six different open water swimming distances to suit all ages, abilities and levels of experience.
There's still time to take part. For more information or to enter click here.