Great North Swim | 5K

Timetable

Friday

• 11:00 | Information point opens
• 13:30 | 10K swim
• 13:30 | 5K swim
• 15:30 | 2 mile swim
• 17:30 | 1 mile swim

Saturday

• 07:00 | Information point opens
• 08:15 | 2 mile swim
• 09:30 | 1 mile swim
• 10:00 | 1 mile swim
• 11:00 | 1 mile swim
• 12:00 | 1 mile swim
• 13:00 | 1 mile swim
• 13:30 | Half mile swim
• 14:30 | Swim 250

Sunday

• 07:00 | Information point opens
• 09:30 | 10K swim
• 09:30 | 5K swim
• 10:15 | 5K swim
• 11:00 | 2 mile swim
• 12:30 | 2 mile swim
• 13:30 | 1 mile swim
• 14:30 | Half mile swim
• 15:00 | Swim 250

Swimmers with a disability

For safety reasons the Great Swim features dry-land sections at the start and finish of the course so may not be suitable for all swimmers. If you would like to take part but have concerns over the suitability of the course for you please get in touch.

Water safety

You are in very safe hands while taking part in your swim. There are lots of fully trained water safety kayakers, lifeguards and boats monitoring you all the way around, so you're never far from some friendly support.

If you find yourself struggling, or in need of a little breather, just lay on your back or tread water and pop your hand up, and one of the safety team will make their way to you to check everything is OK. There will be plenty of safety craft on the water and someone will reach you as quickly as possible.

Event HQ

Brockhole on Windermere, The Lake District Visitor Centre
Ecclerigg
Windermere
Cumbria
LA23 1LJ
UK

A remarkable location

In the past ten years, the Arla Great North Swim has expanded dramatically from an initial 3,000 participants to nearly 10,000. The venue at Brockhole on Windermere enables the Great Swim experience for both swimmers and onlookers.

Family activities

Brockhole-on-Windermere stands as a magnificent Lake District gem, perfectly situated along Windermere's shores and fully equipped to welcome visitors of every age and inclination. The classic Arts and Crafts mansion features remarkable architectural elements and a magnificent garden. The site presents numerous indoor and outdoor pursuits, ensuring entertainment regardless of weather conditions, ranging from walking trails and touring to retail therapy, displays, and exceptional regional cuisine and beverages.

About Windermere

Windermere holds the title of England's biggest natural lake, stretching an impressive 10.5 miles. Encircled by breathtaking landscapes, the lake and its surrounding peaks, hills, and dales have sparked creativity in numerous artists and authors, including Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. The area combines natural wonders with modern amenities - offering plentiful wildlife observation, recreational activities, retail opportunities, artistic ventures, and beyond. Experience all the excitement during the Great North Swim weekend.

Make a weekend of it

The Lake District – awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017 – presents an extensive array of activities and attractions on a grand scale. Numerous essential sights and experiences lie within easy reach of Brockhole, providing ample reason to stay longer. Adventure enthusiast? Consider scaling England's tallest peak (Scafell Pike) or sailing across the country's most profound lake (Wastwater). Your visit wouldn't be complete without capturing a photograph at either end of Britain's most challenging road: the remarkable Hardknott Pass.

In the running world this would be a half marathon.

This distance is suited to experienced, confident swimmers looking to go that little bit further. A 5k swim is equivalent to around 200 lengths of a standard 25m pool. For this distance cut-off times apply: swimmers must be able to reach halfway (2500m) within 1 hour and finish within 2 hours. Generally the 5k takes in 3 laps of the standard 1 mile route.

Map

Wetsuit policy

• Swimmers aged under 16 will be required to wear a wetsuit.
• Wetsuit use is optional for water temperatures of 15⁰C or above.
• Swimmers choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float.
• Swimmers wearing wetsuits can also choose to swim with a tow float.
• Wetsuit hire service available.

This event is in the process of updating its Sustainability Strategy in light of its collaborative approach and recent survey, however work to minimise the environmental impacts of this event continues, with focus on:

• Reducing plastic
• Reducing waste
• Cutting carbon emissions
• Responsible procurement

Entry fees

The event has a big feel to it, it's great for swimmers who often have quite small fields in their races.  It's well organised, nice to do it once and in a lovely area. Pete

I cannot fault the day in the slightest the weather, scenery, supporters, staff, marshals, everything was just brilliant. I will most certainly be back, What a fantastic event this was. Al

Overall a great event, very well organised. I'll definitely be doing this race again next year. Laura

So good to do something that does so much for others and have a lot of fun along the way. Neil Osborne, WaterAid swimmer

I feel more confident, have more energy and I feel like I have something exciting to look forward to!!! Catalina Ospino, WaterAid swimmer