Sport In Profile UK Issue 14 | Page 56

World Bog Snorkelling Championships
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World Bog Snorkelling Championships

The Bog Snorkelling World Championships have been in Waen Rhyd Bog in Llanwrtyd Wells for the past 32 years and the Bog Triathlon was added to the August Bank Holiday event a few years later . It was dreamt up by the then publication of the Neuadd Arms Hotel , the home of Green Events .
Bog Snorkelling may be the craziest Green Event , but is closely followed by the Mountain Bike Chariot Race held in January and Man versus Horse marathon in June . Bog Snorkelling is now a BBC ident and was featured in last year ’ s TV programme ‘ Natural Born Winners ’.
Sport in Profile magazine recently caught up with member of the organising team Jen Walsby to find out more . She started by telling us a little more about the event , saying , “ Bog Snorkellers snorkel two lengths of a 60 year channel cut into peat bog , kicking their legs but are only allowed to do ‘ dog paddle arms ’. Serious competitors aim for the Guinness World Record , currently held by Kirsty Johnson , an underwater rugby player , whilst many attempt the swim in fancy dress .”
“ Bog snorkelling is the vital 2nd part of the Bog Triathlon ; this includes a hill run , bog snorkel and mountain bike ride in the hills and forests around Llanwrtyd Wells .
“ I have been part of the organising team for the past four years and wanted to get involved after attempting the Bog Snorkelling World Record when I moved to the area . It ’ s a wonderful , bonkers , family fun weekend , and now includes a children ’ s bog snorkel , ditch racing and wife carrying .
“ The enjoyment of visitors and volunteers who marshal the events are most rewarding . It ’ s a challenge to hold an event in the middle of a bog , in the middle of nowhere ! We already have many entries for both the World Bog Snorkelling Championships and Bog Triathlon , musicians and refreshments are booked . Prizes and medals are ready to be won .
“ Saturday 26th August will include Bog Triathlon and Mountain Bike Bog
Snorkelling , coffee and local beers . “ Sunday 27th August will include World Bog Snorkelling Championships , Children ’ s Bog Snorkelling , Wife Carrying , Ditch Racing , Bouncy Castle , Food stalls , bar , live music and local crafts .
“ Our ambition is to provide a fun boggy weekend for all to enjoy and I ’ d advise anyone with an interest as a volunteer , competitor or spectator to come along and have a great day .”
56 Issue 14