Introduced in 2020, we now have a 1km course for those with less training or new to open water swimming!
Our 1 km loop is perfect for those who are new to open water swimming or those with less time for training. The 1km loop is separate from those swimming 2,4 and 6km. 1km swimmers will not start until the 2,4 and 6 k swimmers are back. One swimmer from 2022 said. “The enormous feeling of love and support in the paddock is what made this event so fantastic for me. It is such a welcoming, supportive and friendly atmosphere, just fantastic for a nervous newbie.”
1km swimmers will be taking part in a non-competitive “time-trial” format. No mass start. You will be given up to an hour from the first starter to complete the course. If you are making good progress and the safety cover are confident you will complete the course you will be allowed – and encouraged and cheered all the way to continue! You must be at least 12 years old on the day of the swim to be able to enter the 1km swim.
Our goal is to give everyone the opportunity to swim in this incredible lake in the heart of Exmoor. While there are medals for those who come in the top three for their age groups, the majority of swimmers will simply be challenging themselves to participate in a safe and friendly open water swimming environment at Wimbleball Lake. We will have 1km, 2km and 4km courses set up, everyone will get to enjoy their own tour of Wimbleball Lake. Swimmers will not exit the water until the end of the race. If you are swimming the 6km course you will swim 1 lap of the 4km course and 1 lap of the 2km course. We provide water and jelly bean station on the course for all 6 and 4km swimmers. All 6km swimmers will all take part in a “mass-start” format. 2km and 4km swimmers will have the option of “mass-start” or “time-trial” format, but only those in the “mass-start” will be eligible for top 3 placing medals. All 1km swimmers take part in a time trial, with no mass start. Safety will be covered by our friendly kayak team, a team from Nick Thorn Surf Coach and motorboats, as the swimmers enjoy unparalleled views of this special place.
