IT is notoriously cold even at the height of summer, but Loch Lomond has an irresistible attraction for those who enjoy the sport of open water swimming or even just a dip in its famous waters.
Now the largest expanse of fresh water on the island of Great Britain and a tourist attraction famed the world over is set to host what looks set to be the largest mass open water swimming event ever held in Scotland.
Following the disappointment of the cancellation of the Great Scottish Swim, a new event entirely has been created.
Durty Events, organisers of award-winning multisport events throughout Scotland, and Triathlon Edinburgh yesterday announced that they have joined forces to launch Go Swim Loch Lomond, a packed programme of open water swimming events for all ages and experience levels at Loch Lomond on Saturday, September 7.
This year’s mass participation event will follow the success of the European Championship open water swim meet which took place in the Loch last year.
Go Swim Loch Lomond will feature open water swimming events for all ages and standards of swimmers, including the family friendly 250 metre option for those aged eight and over – who must be accompanied by an adult – and 750 and 1500m options for those just starting out in open water swimming.
For the more experienced swimmer 3000, 5000 and 10,000m options are available; and all distances include generous cut offs to allow for those who want to take it a bit easier.
The organisers said: “With the support and backing of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority, Go Swim Loch Lomond will follow in the footsteps of the successful Great Scottish Swim after the popular event was cancelled earlier this year.”
Paul McGreal from Durty Events said: “We’re really excited to be able to continue the tradition of fantastic swim events at Loch Lomond. We know thousands of people have enjoyed the previous races and the absence of a major swimming event this year was met with a great deal of sadness so we really wanted to create something that replicates that experience. It’s a great fit for what we offer and believe in at Durty Events – amazing people doing amazing things in amazing places. We just love seeing people get out there, set themselves challenges, and have an adventure and Go Swim Loch Lomond certainly meets that criteria!
“We’ve got a wealth of experience with open water swimming as the organising team behind dozens of the biggest, best and award-winning triathlons in Scotland over the last 20 plus years. Some of these events have had Loch Lomond as a venue and include event management for the open water swimming events at the 2018 European Championships.
“You can count on us for Go Swim Loch Lomond to be well organised, and for safety to be a priority to enable swimmers to relax and enjoy the day.
“We’re proud to be working alongside Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on this important and exciting project!”
Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, said: “Loch Lomond is an iconic location and a world class venue for open water swimming as demonstrated by hosting last year’s European Championships televised around the globe.
“We want people of all ages and abilities to continue to have the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere and wonderful experience of a mass participation event in this special place.
“Triathlon Edinburgh and Durty Events have put together a great event with something for everyone and we’re delighted that the tradition of high-quality open water swimming events in Loch Lomond will be continuing this year in the lead up to the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020.”
Entry prices for Go Swim Loch Lomond start from £10. All entrants will receive an official chip time, finisher’s medal, event t-shirt and custom event swim cap for optimal bragging rights.
Further information and prices entry forms for the various swim distances at Go Swim Loch Lomond 2019 can be found at the event website https://go-swim.uk/.
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