The Builth Wells Aquathlon will return next summer with organisers promising its most accessible event yet - including a new relay option.

The charity challenge, which has grown steadily since its launch, will be held for the third time on Sunday, August 9 2026 at The Groe. The event will raise money for Wales Air Ambulance, the charity chosen by organisers following stories from participants and volunteers who have benefitted from the lifesaving service.

The aquathlon has attracted between 70 and 80 competitors in each of its first two years, with entrants aged from just 12 to over 80 taking part. Organisers say the new relay event is intended to widen participation further. It will allow two-person teams to split the challenge, with one competitor completing the 400m swim and the other taking on the 5k run.

Co-organiser Helen Tuite said: “We've added a relay event this time, which means that if someone isn't great at either swimming or running, they'll still be able to take part as they can buddy up with a friend or family member. Plus, people can walk the 3k or 5k if they don't feel up to running. We just want to make the event as accessible as possible, to encourage more people to take part. We'll be looking for corporate sponsors again, so if any local organisations would like to help support this event for such a great cause, we'd love to hear from them.”

Three events will be available for 2026: a 200m pool swim followed by a 3k run, a 400m swim followed by a 5k run, and the two-person relay. The minimum age for the shorter event is 13, rising to 15 for the longer distance and relay.

Entry fees are £12 for the shorter event, £17 for the longer event, or £24 for the relay. Early bird discounts apply if you register before the January 31.

There will be a medal for all finishers and prizes for age category winners.

Money raised will support Wales Air Ambulance, which requires £13 million a year to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles operating across the country.

The charity provides consultant-led critical care, delivering advanced medical treatment at the scene of emergencies. Its crews can administer anaesthesia, provide blood transfusions and carry out minor surgical procedures before transporting patients to the most appropriate hospital.

For many taking part in next year’s aquathlon, the charity’s work has a personal resonance. Llanwrtyd Wells resident Allan Stokes said he owes his life to the service after suffering a heart attack while walking in the hills with friends. He became seriously unwell and was unable to reach safety on foot. “An ambulance wouldn’t have been able to get up the hill to me,” he said. “If the helicopter hadn’t arrived, I’m not sure I’d be here today.”

“The Wales Air Ambulance crew were amazing, and put me at ease straight away,” he said. “I'll always be indebted to them, and will support them whenever I can.”

Co-organiser Adam Johnstone said: “We've now got a team of ten people helping to organise the aquathlon, which is amazing. We all got together to decide which charity to support next year, and Wales Air Ambulance was the most popular choice. Nearly all of us knew someone who had been helped by this great organisation, so it was an easy decision to make.”

Kate Thomas, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager for the area, said: “This is the perfect time to get your hands on some early bird tickets for the popular Builth Wells Aquathlon event. We are delighted to be chosen as the charity that will benefit from this event, and hope people will enjoy the exciting relay race. It is wonderful to hear of a charity event that is open to all abilities and ages.

“Each year the event has raised an incredible amount for charity. The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £13 million every year to help keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road throughout Wales, fundraisers like this one will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. We really appreciate the support from Builth Wells Aquathlon committee.”

Entries can be made online via the website entrycentral.com/BuilthWellsAquathlon2026, with further details available by emailing [email protected] or visiting the event’s Facebook group.