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Welcome to Human Race Open Water Swimming

Human Race organise a leading series of six open water swim events with options catering for swimmers of all abilities; distances range from 500m to 10km. So whether you’re a first time swimmer, a pool swimmer, a triathlete looking for some swim training or an experienced open water swimmer there’s something for you.

The series visits stunning locations including Hampton Court, Windsor and Poole. The Hampton Court 2.25 mile downstream swim from Hampton Court Bridge to Kingston Bridge at the Hampton Court Swim has become a ‘must do’ for anyone interested in open water swimming.

On this page you will find information about all of the open water swimming events, the latest open water swimming event news and information about our various ambassadors. For tailored information on how to prepare for your open water swim event visit our Preparation section and select your ability.

Open Water Swim Seminar 2 - 25th May 2013

Open Water Swimming Training

Human Race will be hosting an open water swim training day at Dorney Lake with 1½ hr sessions (45 minutes theoretical and 45 minutes swimming practical).

We will split you into groups according to your ability and the session will provide you with practical and theoretical advice by a number of triathlon experts, lead by the experienced swim coaches at RG Active.

Eton Swim - 27th May 2013

DISTANCES
Open Water Lake Swim 750m
Open Water Lake Swim 1500m
Open Water Lake Swim 3km
Open Water Lake Swim 5km
Open Water Lake Swim 10km

Open water swimming in a venue like Dorney Lake is an amazing challenge whether you are an elite or a beginner with the event featuring five distances, up to the iconic 10k ‘swimmers marathon’. Dorney Lake, with its clear water, accurate marker points and clear lines of sight provides a great place to take on your first open water swim or go for a great time in one of the longer disciplines.

Windsor Swim - 2nd June 2013

DISTANCES
Open Water River Swim 750m
Open Water River Swim 1500m
Open Water River Swim 3km

The third event in the 2013 Open Water Swim Series. Open water swimming in the Thames is an amazing challenge whether you are an elite or a beginner and taking to the water at the historic location of Windsor is a truly unforgettable experience. Following a similar route to the swim leg of the legendary Windsor Triathlon, you’ll be swimming against an iconic backdrop in a stunning location.

WomenOnly Swim - 7th July 2013

DISTANCES
Open Water Lake Swim 750m
Open Water Lake Swim 1500m
Open Water Lake Swim 3km

Dorney Lake, the stunning rowing venue for the 2012 Olympics, plays host to the second annual WomenOnly Open Water Swim. Following on from the success of the WomenOnly Triathlon and the WomenOnly Run, this recent addition to the series gives ladies the perfect opportunity to get involved in open water swimming.

Hampton Court Swim - 21st July 2013

DISTANCE
Open Water River Swim 2.25 miles (3,650m)

Hampton Court - the original and still the most popular! The Open Water Swim Series is proud to return to this iconic location for 2.25 miles of river swimming at its best. Open water swimming in the Thames is an amazing challenge whether you are elite or a beginner and taking on the two and a bit miles from Hampton Court Bridge downstream to Kingston Bridge is definitely a must for any open water swimmer.

Marlow Swim - 25th August 2013

DISTANCES
Open Water River Swim 750m
Open Water River Swim 1500m
Open Water River Swim 3km

The 2013 Open Water Swim Series descends on Marlow, and the River Thames, for one of the most picturesque events on the UK’s open water swimming calendar. If the start area looks familiar, that might be because you saw it on the television during the epic Thames Swim by comedian David Walliams. He got out of the water at exactly the same spot, surrounded by hundreds of cheering supporters of course!

Poole Swim - 28th September 2013

DISTANCES
Open Water Sea Swim 750m
Open Water Sea Swim 1500m
Open Water Sea Swim 3km

Sandbanks in Poole, the fourth most expensive place to live on the planet and home to the Open Water Swim Series for one day! With race HQ in the stunning beachside Sandbanks Hotel and a swim course that tracks the coast down the Sandbanks peninsula and back, this really is sea swimming at its best.

Open Water Swim Seminar 1 - Date TBC in 2014

Open Water Swimming Training

Human Race will be hosting an open water swim training day at Dorney Lake with 1½ hr sessions (45 minutes theoretical and 45 minutes swimming practical).

We will split you into groups according to your ability and the session will provide you with practical and theoretical advice by a number of triathlon experts, lead by the experienced swim coaches at RG Active.

Open Water Swimming Sponsors

Open Water Swimming News

Spring Swim Race Report 2013

The Human Race Open Water Series splashed down at beautiful Branksome Beach, near Poole, for the first swim of the series, the Spring Swim. Hundreds of competitors lined the shoreline, many wrapped up with swimmers gloves and socks preparing to take the plunge into the bracing 11 degree sea.

Human Race announces 2013 Open Water Swim Series dates

The UK’s leading mass participation sports events company, Human Race has announced dates for the 2013 Open Water Swim Series. Last year over 5,000 swimmers took to the great outdoors to swim in the sea, lakes and rivers of some of Britain’s most beautiful locations.

WomenOnly event portfolio expanded this Summer

We’ve all been there...January equals cold days, dark mornings and even darker evenings making it tough to motivate ourselves to exercise. And, if you do manage to motivate yourself, the streets are too busy with runners, it’s impossible to get a place in a gym crèche, the exercise machine you...

Hampton Court Swim Race Report 2012

Over 1500 entrants set off from Hampton Court, for the final event in the Speedo Open Water Swim Series. Swimmers entered the water in front of the glistening golden gates to be swiftly taken off a few metres downstream. Battling with the current, swimmers got back to the start line before the...

Human Race Festival of Sport Race Report 2012

The Human Race Festival of Sport 2012 came to a close at St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, West Cornwall, having delivered a fantastic three days of sporting events and entertainment for over 3,000 visitors. The festival was a unique celebration of sport based around the core sports; cycling,...

Open Water Swimming Ability

Official Charity

Cancer Research UK is delighted to be the Official Charity for the Open Water Swim Series. More than 4 in 10 cancers could be prevented and you can reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as taking part in a swim. We don't receive any government funding for our research so every step towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated. Sooner or later we will cure all cancers. Help us make it sooner. To join our team, request a fundraising pack when you complete your entry form or call 0871 641 2403.