28 July 2008

Record-breaking Great North Swim soon to make a splash on Windermere

Organisers are offering a last chance to take part in Britain’s largest open water swim, the Great North Swim.

In just two months, over 1,800 swimmers of all abilities have signed up to make a splash for the unique event, taking place on England’s longest natural lake, Windermere.

Following a hugely popular launch event in Manchester and backing from the UK’s most successful male swimmer and eight times World Record Holder, Mark Foster – organisers have decided to offer even more people the chance to undertake the challenge, releasing a total of 2,000 places for the event taking place on Saturday 13 September.

With individual entries now closing, people still wanting to take part can secure a place through a number of charities supporting the event, which are listed at www.greatnorthswim.org

Swimmers of all abilities are expected to grace the stunning shores at Low Wood, to take up the challenge of a specially designed one-mile course – wetsuit optional.

Recently returning from Croatia, having broken the British record the 50m freestyle and rising to ninth in the world rankings, Mark said: “I am really pleased to support this event as it offers so many people from different backgrounds and abilities, the chance to be part of something special and really get involved and get passionate about swimming.

“To have over 1,800 swimmers already signed up, in such a short time is fantastic!”

Inspired by the Bupa Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon, the team behind it have translated the formula to the water. The Great North Swim is designed to suit people of all abilities, from club or competitive participants, to fun and charity swimmers.

Organisers have teamed up with a number of strategic local partners to create the new event, with the NWDA, South Lakeland District Council, Invest in Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism, Lake District National Park and English Lakes Hotels all backing the innovative swimming experience.

Sheldon Phillips, Partnership Marketing Manager at Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “We are thrilled by the response to the event so far. This really highlights that people want to embrace new sporting challenges and be part of something special – it’s great that the organisers have been able to increase the number of places available.

“The NWDA is pleased to support the first Great North Swim and I hope many visitors will be encouraged to take part and go on to explore the outstanding assets of Cumbria and the Lake District.” 

Entry for the event is open to people aged 15 and over. All swimmers must have completed a one-mile swim in training before the event to qualify. Wetsuits are optional but are recommended.

People wanting to find out more can go to www.greatnorthswim.org to enter the event as well as get help and advice on how best to prepare for the challenge.

The Great North Swim is the latest event to be launched as part of Take to the Streets, a national activity initiative designed to fight spiralling inactivity and obesity rates and raise huge amounts of money for charity in the process.

Taking part in the event will mean that swimmers will be part of it and contribute to the ambitious target of getting over two million people active and engaged in a Take to the Streets event each year by 2012.

Ends

For further information please contact Felicity Amer or Tony Bradley at Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations.

Tel:  0191 281 8833
Fax:  0191 281 4954

Email:
felicityamer@bradleyomahoney.co.uk or
tonybradley@bradleyomahoney.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Great North Swim Partners
The Northwest Regional Development Agency
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
 
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life

Additionally, the NWDA works to secure world-class events, which are distinctive and capable of attracting large numbers of visitors from outside the region and significantly enhance the profile of the region. www.nwda.co.uk

Cumbria Tourism
Cumbria Tourism is the lead organisation for tourism in the county and is at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor Economy.  It is also the largest membership organisation in Cumbria with more than 2,000 members. To find out more about the work of Cumbria Tourism, visit www.cumbriatourism.org
 
Cumbria Tourism is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). Cumbria Tourism is the lead organisation for tourism in the county and is at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor Economy.  It is also the largest membership organisation in Cumbria with more than 2,000 members.  Over 15 million annual visitors to Cumbria contribute more than £1 billion to the local economy and support around 36,000 jobs.  To find out more about the work of Cumbria Tourism, visit www.cumbriatourism.org
  
Invest in Cumbria

Invest in Cumbria is a company owned by Cumbria County Council, the council responsible for the county of Cumbria in the North West of England. Its remit is to secure new investment into the county whilst also working with and supporting larger organisations already in Cumbria to expand within the area.

The organisation supports a wide variety of events and activities, which showcase Cumbria as an ideal location to live, work and visit. www.investincumbria.co.uk

Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is the perfect setting for the Great North Swim. Surrounded by stunning scenery, we are proud to host swimmers of all abilities on England’s longest lake. We work with partners to realise a Vision for the National Park. It will be a place with a prosperous economy, world class visitor experiences and vibrant communities - and all sustaining the spectacular landscape.
 Events like the Great North Swim support this Vision. It’s accessible, fun and safe. It promotes enjoyment of the National Park and will inspire! www.lake-district.gov.uk

South Lakeland District Council

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) was formed in 1974 and is one of the six District Authorities in Cumbria. Its vision for South Lakeland is: “By involving people and creating opportunities we will make South Lakeland the best place to live, work and visit.”

The district is one of England's largest shires covering an area of over 600 square miles and with a resident population of over 100,000. It is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain including parts of the Lake District National Park, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. www.southlakeland.gov.uk

English Lakes Hotels
All five of English Lakes Hotels deliver the same quality service but possess their own very individual character. They all occupy excellent locations, with three luxurious hotels on the shores of Lake Windermere, a traditional coaching inn with its own 72 acre private woodland in the Gilpin valley and a stylish hotel close to the historic city of Lancaster.

Onsite of the Low Wood and Lancaster House there are extensive leisure clubs. Both complexes have a pool, fitness studio, sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor spa baths and beauty salon, offering all of the requirements for a truly relaxing break.

Low Wood is ideal for those with outdoor activities on their agenda. The hotel has its own Marina, Watersports and activity centre, offering water skiing, sailing, boat hire and other activities. www.elh.co.uk