England’s longest natural lake, Windermere, will provide a watery stage for the inaugural Great North Swim, the first mass participation open water swim event of its kind in the UK.

Over 1000 swimmers of all abilities are expected to grace its stunning shores at Low Wood on Saturday 13th September, to take up the challenge of a specially designed one-mile course – wetsuit optional!

The event has already caught the attention of some of the biggest names in swimming, with Great Britain’s Kerry-Anne Payne and the UK’s most decorated male swimmer and eight times World Record Holder, Mark Foster, signing up for their places in the open water swim.

Mark said: “Being a sprint swimmer, it has been a while since I have actually swam a mile, so when I heard about the Great North Swim, I thought it’s about time I gave it a go!

“The real beauty of this event is that I will be hitting the shore line at the same time as people who are taking to the open water for the first time. This is going to make for a fantastic atmosphere and something I am proud to support.”

Inspired by the BUPA Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon, the team behind it have translated the formula to the water. The Great North Swim is designed to suit people of all abilities, from club or competitive participants, to fun and charity swimmers.

The Great North Swim is the latest event to be launched as part of the Great Activity Campaign – a national activity programme designed to fight spiralling inactivity and obesity rates and raise huge amounts of money for charity in the process.

Entry for the event is open to people aged 15 and over. All swimmers must have completed a one-mile swim in training before the event to qualify. Wetsuits are optional but are recommended.

Click here to enter the event and find out more information.

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