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How will COVID-19 impact the event?

Covid-19 event update

We are planning for the event to take place in September as planned, and have developed a risk assessment to meet the latest guidance in line with advice from government and public health officials. We are fortunate that the venue at Wimbleball Lake has a lot of available space and therefore social distancing requirements can be accommodated in our plans.
At the moment, we are following SH2OUT guidance (a partnership between Swim England, Royal Life Saving Society UK, and British Triathlon – details here) and working closely with South West Lakes Trust at Wimbleball Lake, and our safety providers.  At this stage the event is only likely to be a non-competitive “time-trial” format event, without a mass start.
As part of our preparation and yours, the pre-race information pack will be sent in advance via EMAIL only to allow you to plan your kit and setup accordingly. We will also hold the Pre-race briefing via an online VIDEO CONFERENCE only, one week ahead of the event. This will provide the latest information and allow an opportunity for you to ask questions. We are also not likely to provide a regular “registration”setup and will most likely provide a “remote” collection point for you to pick up your timing chip, swim hat etc., at a numbered position at the venue.
Whilst it is hoped that spectators will be able to attend the event, in the first instance we encourage you to consider travelling without spectators. We would ask you to share vehicles with those in your family “bubble” to minimise vehicles attending the venue, but anticipate that guidance will encourage as few non-competing attendees as possible. There will not be a prize giving at the venue and we will ask you to continue through the finish area as quickly as possible – with changing encouraged by your vehicles.  We would appreciate your understanding in this as we believe that a quiet and safer event is better than no event taking place at all.

COVID-19 symptoms and deferrals

We are now less than three months before the event – and our regular cancellation policy applies, which is deferral to 2021 up-to one month before the event – see http://exmoorswim.co.uk/terms-conditions/ for details. However, we understand the importance of preventing COVID-19 exposure and potential transmission to volunteers, other competitors and race officials and have agreed the following specific terms for late deferrals for competitors with symptoms of COVID-19:  If you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms in the final days/weeks before the 2020 event, we will permit deferral to 2021 or 2022 only upon receipt of a letter from your doctor or a recent record of a test for COVID-19. 

What will happen if the 2020 event is cancelled?

Whilst we hope that the event will take place in September, the situation is constantly evolving and we will reassess regularly – updating our risk assessment accordingly whilst in discussion with British Triathlon and other guidance bodies. If the event has to be cancelled this year due to COVID-19 we will offer a refund (must be requested within 14 days of notification), otherwise we will transfer all places to the 2021 event (date TBC). If you cannot make the 2021 date, your place will deferred to 2022 (date TBC).

How long is the swim?

2km, 4km and 6km “elite”

How much does it cost to enter?

New 1km: £29 – this includes FREE parking

2km and 4km are the same price: early bird price: £39 (£42 standard entry) – this includes FREE parking

6km: early bird price: £55 (£60 standard entry) – this includes FREE parking

What date is the event?

Sunday 27 September 2020

What is the Address?

Wimbleball Lake, Brompton Regis, Dulverton, Somerset. TA22 9NU

What time is registration?

Registration will open 90 minutes before the start of the first event.

Participants will also be able to register the night before between 17:00 and 19:00.

What time is the event briefing?

There will be an event briefing for each distance approx. 10 minutes before the start time of that distance (6km and 2km together, and then 4km)

What time does the event start?

The provisional start time for the 6km “elite” wave is 09:30. The 2km swim will follow directly after the 6km, with the 4km starting after the 6km swimmers have completed their first 2km lap (c. 10:30 with a briefing at 10:20).

Will there be drink stations on the lake?

No. Due to COVID-19 we will not be able to provide a hot drink and snack after the finish. We recommend you bring food and a hot flask with you for collection in the self-service bag drop after the finish line. The 6km and 4km swimmers will be able to leave drinks for “self-service” collection after each loop of the 2km course.

What is the age limit for participants?

You need to be 17 by 31st December 2020. Swimmers under 18 need written permission from a parent or guardian.

What is the age limit for volunteers?

You need to be 16 by 31st December 2020. Volunteers under 18 will need written permission from a parent or guardian.

When will I receive my event information pack?

2 weeks before the event

Are there timing chips?

Yes.

Are there prizes?

There will be separate medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for males and females for each distance and age group, with prizes for the overall winners for wetsuit and non-wetsuit “skins” swimmers.

Age groups are:

Juniors (under 16s)
Youth (16-20)
Senior (20-39)
Veteran (40+)
Super Veteran (50+)
Vintage (60+)
Super Vintage (70+)

Each swimmer will also receive an event participation cup at the finish line.

Those taking part in both the Dartmoor Open Water Swim and the Exmoor Open Water Swim will receive a FREE special edition “Twin Moors Swim” t-shirt (just specify your size at the checkout) and be entered into a FREE Prize Draw to win a swim holiday courtesy of our sponsor Strel Swimming Adventures.

Who will be King and Queen of The Moors?

For 2019 we introduced an extra challenge for those wanting to compete at the longest distances at both Dartmoor and Exmoor. We will update the challenge for 2020 and will announce it via social media – check back to see what you need to do to be crowned Queen of The Moors or King of The Moors! Plus there will be titles of Ice King and Ice Queen for those swimming “skins” of course!

How experienced do I need to be?

The event is aimed at giving all people the opportunity to swim outdoors in a stunning location. To take part in the 2km or 4km you need to be a competent swimmer and at least be able to swim 1-mile in a swimming pool (64 lengths) in under 45 minutes. However, please ensure that you get experience of swimming in open water, are confident in achieving the distance and are comfortable in your wetsuit prior to taking part.

For those with more experience, who would like to swim at a faster pace, and would like to swim a longer distance, we introduced an “Elite” 6km course in 2018! The 6km course starts first and combines both the 2km and 4km courses. Specific safety cover will be in place on a completely clear course. To take part you should be able to swim 1-mile in a swimming pool in under 28 minutes (this is for safety reasons). There will be separate medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for males and females, with prizes for the winners.

For “skins” swimmers who would like to swim the 6km course but would not meet the 28 minutes per mile pace, please contact us via [email protected].

Can I swap my swim distance from the 4km to the 2km, or vice versa?

Yes, but only if you submit your request at least two weeks prior to the event.

Can I swap my swim distance from the 6km to the 4km/2km, or vice versa?

Yes, but only if you submit your request at least one month prior to the