One of the most eccentric events in the sporting calendar is nearly upon us as participants prepare their fancy-dress costumes and flippers to swim 120 yards in a peat bog, in a quick enough time to land them the title of ‘World Champion.’

Ahead of one of the most unique events on the planet, we spoke to one of the organisers of the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, Bob Greenough from Green Events.

The championships take place annually on the August bank holiday weekend in a field a few miles outside of Llanwrtyd Wells.

This year’s event is set to be the biggest Bog Weekend to date with the introduction of Bog Fest, thanks to title sponsors Chapel Music.

Registration is now open for your chance to take part in the bog, which attracts competitors from around the world with an Australian already signed up to take part this year, making the long trip from the Southern Hemisphere.

This year’s event takes place throughout the day on Sunday, 24 August.

Bog snorkelling world record holder, Neil Rutter, is making his return this year and coming out of retirement. He’s a five timer winner and last won the world championships in 2023 where he said he was hanging up his flippers. After having a change of heart he said the lure of the bog was too much for him.

Discussing the event, Bob Greenough of Green Events said: “Every year brings its own challenges and different challenges. Over a hundred have signed up already and it’s growing in numbers by the day as we get closer.

“Last year we had over 200 people sign up and it went on for a very long time. We’re hoping to get around the 200 mark this year.

“It’s good fun, it’s not meant to be serious competition. There’s a costume, fancy dress side to it and you get some bizarre costumes.”

So, what are the rules? Participants must swim two 60 yard lengths of the peat bog using only a snorkel, mask and flippers. No conventional swimming strokes are allowed so kicking and doggy paddle is usually the chosen method. They must touch a post at either end of the bog and fancy dress is encouraged but not required. The fastest time wins.

The event began in 1986. Bob told the Brecon & Radnor Express about the events origin he said: “It was a discussion in the pub, they had come up with the Man vs Horse event and needed something to boost tourism and a meeting over a few pints decided on swimming in the bog.”

When asked why people should come along and what he would say to those considering giving bog snorkelling a go, Bob said: “Providing you can float, it’s perfectly safe and only four feet deep at the deepest section, so you can stand up if you need to.

“No one’s going to shout at you, okay you’ll be laughed at, but you have probably just laughed at someone else doing it. It’s just a fun event, don’t come along thinking everyone’s going to be doing press ups and getting ready for it like that. Give it a go!

“We try to look after people, if they are staying in town but want to come along and have a few drinks we have our shuttle bus service back and forwards from the town to the bog.”

Also on the weekend our music performances provided by title sponsor Chapel Music. Bog Fest is happening on Saturday, 23 August and Sunday, 24 August in the town and on the festival site. Other events such as the Bogathlon, Husband dragging, and Wife carrying will take place across the weekend too.

Head to https://www.green-events.co.uk/world-bog-snorkelling-championships for more information or to enter.