The third Builth Wells Aquathlon will take place next month, with organisers hoping to build on the success of previous years while raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

The event returns on Sunday, August 9, and features a swim at Freedom Leisure pool followed by a run or walk around The Groe. Participants can choose from a range of distances, including 8 or 16 pool lengths paired with a 3k or 5k run or walk, with a relay option also introduced this year.

The minimum age is 13 for the shorter event and 15 for the longer distances and relay (as at December 31 2026). Last year’s competitors ranged from 12 to 81.

Local organisations have once again provided financial backing to help ensure the event can go ahead.

Helen Tuite, Aquathlon co-organiser, said “We are so grateful that Charcroft Electronics in Llanwrtyd Wells has very kindly offered to be headline sponsor for this year's Aquathlon. We’d like to thank them and all the other local organisations who have helped us this year.”

Vicky Mellor, director at Charcroft, said “We are proud to support the Builth Wells Aquathlon, an event which brings people together from across the community in such a positive and inclusive way. Events like this encourage participation, wellbeing and local connection. Wales Air Ambulance provides a vital service to our communities, and we’re delighted to be able to support an event that helps raise awareness and funds for such an important cause."

Adam Johnstone, Aquathlon co-organiser, said "We want to make the event as accessible as possible, and encourage more people to take part. So we have set up some ‘have a go’ sessions at Builth Swimming Pool – every Friday in July from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

“You can swim two lengths or 50 lengths, then run (or walk) half a mile or 10 miles. You can come to one session or all of them. It's totally up to you. Or even if you've done an aquathlon or triathlon before, you're still welcome to come along.”

The session on July 3 is free, with a £5 charge per session thereafter. The minimum age is 16, or 13 with a signed parental or guardian disclaimer.

A Builth Running Club member has thanked Wales Air Ambulance after surviving a cardiac arrest while out running two years ago.

Darren Hughes collapsed during a routine run, but was found by friend and fellow club member Lee Nicholson, who was passing at the time. Mr Nicholson immediately called 999 and began CPR.

Builth Wells retained firefighters and paramedics arrived quickly, followed by the Wales Air Ambulance team. He was treated at the scene before being flown to Cardiff for further care.

Mr Hughes spent six days in a coma but has since made a full recovery

Darren said: “Wales Air Ambulance provides such a vital service in our rural community. I’m so grateful to them and everyone else who helped me on that day, which means I can now continue doing the sports that I love - running, swimming and cycling.”

Entry costs are £12 for the shorter event, £17 for the longer distance, and £24 for the relay.