Competitors battle murky waters in World Bog Snorkelling Championships

The event takes place every year at Waen Rhydd peat bog in Llanwrtyd Wells

Competitors take part in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships at Waen Rhydd peat bog
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 28th Aug 2023

Hardy competitors battled it out at this year's World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Wales.

It's been been described as one of the top 50 "must do" things from around the world, and follows the event's first-ever 'Bogathlon' on Saturday - that's the first mini sprint triathlon in a bog.

Donning their snorkels and flippers, the competitors had to battle it out against themselves - and the bog - to complete two consecutive 60-yard lengths in the water-filled trench in the shortest time possible.

The event takes place every year at Waen Rhydd peat bog in Llanwrtyd Wells, with the current world record-holder, Neil Rutter, the person to beat, after completing the challenge in 1 minute and 18 seconds back in 2018.

This year, 'game-faces' were truly on ahead of the athletes dipping themselves into the trench, and into the chilly waters - but some competitors truly had some fun.

One swimmer painted her toe nails pink to match her snorkel, whilst Wales' answer to Barbie and Ken were also in the water, with the pair getting into the water with pink cardboard boxes around them, donned with the full Barbie branding and a 'limited edition' label attached.

One competitor carried a giant plastic toad on their head as they slide through the water, too, and another in the crowd was dressed a sunflower at the event sponsored by Rude Health.

In 2022, competitors included participants from Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Eire, Finland, Poland, South Africa and USA, making what the organisers have called 'a truly international world championship'.

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