The Big Bala Swim UK 2018
The BIG Bala Swim (Not to be confused with our other event, The Big Welsh Swim) is the second in our ‘Swim Train’ series will take place in Llyn Tegid, Bala, Snowdonia National Park, North Wales.
The main open water swim route is 4.5km. To reach the start you will catch the historic Bala Lake Railway to Llangower station where you’ll find the beach start. For those that want a bigger challenge we also have a two way swim of 9km that starts from the lake shore west of Bala town from where you’ll swim to Llangower station and back!
To make sure there is something for everyone we also have a shorter swim option of 1.5km as well. Wetsuit and non-wetsuit places are available!
Location: Llyn Tegid, Snowdonia National Park, North Wales.
Registration: Clwb Rygbi Y Bala, Maes Gwyniad, Tegid Street, Bala, LL23 7BX
Swim Distances
1.5km (you will not catch the train for this swim)
4.5km
9km (you will not catch the train for this swim)
Feed stations: There will be a feed station at Llangower beach for the 9km swimmers and food will be available at the finish line for all finishers. We will not be handing out bottles of water at the finish line in a bid to reduce plastic waste and help care for the environment. Water will of course be available at the feed station and the finish line but you will need to have your own bottle or cup. With this in mind please make sure you have a bottle of water in your bag when yo plae it in the bag drop.
Cut off time: There is a cut off time of 4.5 hours for all distances. The race organisers and appointed staff can retire a participant at any time if they judge them not capable of finishing due to fatigue or poor physical condition.
Online entry closes: 25th May 2018. (No entry changes can be made after this time)
You must be over 18 years of age on the day of the race to enter the event. 16+ participants will need parental consent to take part in full length swims. Under 16’s can complete the 1.5km swim if accompanied in the water by an fee paying adult who will take complete responsibility for them.
There will be a maximum number of entries available for each distance. When that number is reached entries for that distance will close and a waiting list will open.
1.5km 50 places
4.5km 200 places
9km 100 places
Entry prices
1.5km: Adult £40 / Junior (age 15 & under) £25 (no train included)
4.5km: £55 (includes train ticket)
9km: £65 (no train included)
Entry fee includes
Full water safety cover
Train ticket (for 4.5km swim)
Event swim hat
Electronic timing
Food and hydration during & after event (see feed station info)
Race medal
Free event photos
Prize for winners in each distance category – supplied by Zone3
Equipment requirements
Swim hats supplied by event organisers must be worn at all times when in the water
Wetsuit (unless registered as a non-wetsuit participant)
Goggles
Tow floats may be used but are not mandatory for wetsuit wearing participants
Additional mandatory equipment for non-wetsuit competitors
Tow float (any type)
Additional equipment that may be used: Neoprene socks and non-webbed neoprene gloves, neoprene hat (worn under event swim cap), ear plugs
Additional equipment that may NOT be used: Snorkles, flippers, hand paddles, webbed gloves, headphones, pull buoy or any other floation aids, any power assisted aids.
Registration
Registration will take place: Bala Rugby Club/Clwb Rygbi Y Bala, Maes Gwyniad, Tegid Street, Bala, LL23 7BX, on: Saturday 2nd June. 7.30am – Closes 9.15am
You will be issued with your event hat and timing chip. Please arrive as early as possible! If you do not arrive to register by 9.15am your place will be forfeited.
Briefing
The compulsory briefing will be held at 9.30am on Saturday 2nd June 2018 at Bala Rugby Club. Anyone who does not attend the briefing will not be allowed to swim. 4.5km swimmers will then make a 5 minute walk to board the train which will leave promptly at 10.00am so will need to be ready to leave straight after the briefing. If you miss the train you will need to make your own way to the swim start. 1.5km and 9km swimmers will make a 10 minute walk to their swim start. Participants doing a 1.5km or 9km swim do not need to catch the train.
Parking
Free parking is availabe at Bala Rugby Club/Clwb Rygbi Y Bala, Maes Gwyniad, Tegid Street, Bala, LL23 7BX. Other carparks close by are pay and display (approx £4 for the day). Disabled parking is available but cannot be reserved. Please do not park on the roads or cause any obstructions to access or gate ways.
Bag drop
There will be a place for 1.5km and 9km swimmers to leave shoes/1 SMALL bag close to the swim start. 4.5km swimmers may take shoes/1 SMALL bag with them on the train and this will be transported by van to the finish line to be picked up at the end of your swim. Please only leave essential items and do not place fragile or valuable items in the bag drop as we cannot take repsonsibility for them.
Provisional schedule of events
Saturday 2nd June 2018
07:30 Registration opens
09:15 Registration closes
09.30 Route and safety brief
10:00 Train for 4.5km swimmers departs
10:10 Race start – 9km swimmers
10:15 Race start – 1.5km swimmers
13:30 Prize giving
