On Sunday the 7th September, 81 swimmers successfully completed the MyTriEvents’ ‘Windermere One Way’ swim. Starting and finishing at two Nation Trust venues, swimmers set off from Fell Foot Park from 06:30 on a 10 mile open-water journey north up the full length of the lake to Low Wray.
First held in 2013, the swim was organised by MyTriEvents to provide open water swimmers with a professionally managed and fully supported swim up the lake, which includes full safety boat support and a feed station in the grounds of Storrs Hall Hotel, who are one of the official event partners.
Event director, Natasha Walsh, said, “Swimming the length of Windermere is an iconic challenge and it’s on the wish list for many open-water swimmers. Given the success of last year’s swim, where we achieved a 100% success rate, we decided to open the event up to a larger field and concentrate on making it even bigger and better for all of those who take part. The interest this year has been phenomenal, and entries filled up so quickly we’ve already had enquiries about the 2015 swim, which we hope to make a two day event.”
Each ‘Windermere One Way’ swimmer was accompanied by a support kayaker, as well as being chip timed for safety reasons. Whilst most participants chose to wear a wetsuit for their swim, 8 swimmers successfully completed the challenge without. The first male finisher out of the water was Gareth Kelly in a time of 4 hours and 6 minutes, with Lindsay Bleazard heading up the ladies’ field in 4 hours and 29 minutes.
Natasha Walsh said, “Whilst it’s an incredibly long way to swim, we’re trying to making the event as accessible and enjoyable as possible and our partnerships with the National Trust and Storrs Hall mean we’re able to provide so much more than just an endurance swim. We’re adding value to the entire experience by providing some great facilities at three stunning lake shore venues.
It was a fantastic atmosphere at the finish, with all of the successful athletes being welcomed by friends and family at Low Wray. The venue was perfect for us and it gave everyone taking part the opportunity to relax and enjoy some hot food and drink and a nice warm shower. They were also rewarded here with their very own 1 length swim badge.”