Event review – Great North Swim Run on Windermere
Ever been tempted to have a go?
Is cold water swimming for you?
Run, swim and a United Spirit – A SwimRun to Remember on Windermere
There’s something uniquely exhilarating about plunging into England’s largest lake in the morning, breath catching in the chill, heart racing not just from the cold, but from the buzz of hundreds around you.
This year’s Great North SwimRun on Windermere was nothing short of exhilarating, and I’m still buzzing after completing the Short Course: a route packed with thrills, scenery, and the kind of camaraderie that stays with you.
The SwimRun format is a beautiful contradiction, intense yet inclusive, competitive but cooperative, gruelling and gloriously scenic. You run in your wetsuit, swim in your trainers, and switch between the two disciplines multiple times, actually 3 times. It’s wild. You feel slightly bizarre. And it’s utterly brilliant.
This year’s event showed just how much SwimRun is growing. From seasoned endurance athletes to first-timers like me, hundreds turned up to test themselves against water, rock, and trail.
All drawn by the beauty of the Lake District and the spirit of challenge. The atmosphere was vibrant and friendly. I think festival meets fell race meets open-water adventure.
The organisers were supportive, the marshals were superb, and the safety measures were top-notch. Canoes were spotted about the swim course offering support and safety. No one was left behind, and everyone was cheered over the finish line like a champion.
A Sense of Community
But more than the logistics or the lake views, what struck me most was the sense of community. Whether you arrived solo, with a mate, or as a team, you became part of something bigger, part of a group fuelled by grit, smiles, energy snacks and lake water. Every face you passed offered encouragement. Every splash felt like a shared triumph or at least an experience.
As a Trade Union member, I couldn’t help but notice how perfectly this event fits our values at the WEU. At its heart, SwimRun is about being united in spirit. You train together, start together, suffer together, and cross the line together. It is an antidote to the hyper-individualism that saturates modern life.
It doesn’t matter if you’re fast or slow, ripped or round, urban or rural, what matters is that you show up, give it a go, and support those around you. Sound familiar?
I’d love to see more Trade Union members take up the challenge in 2026. Imagine WEU members out on the course, representing the values of perseverance, health, mutual aid, and joy. What better way to help improve on our wellbeing. Physical and mental diving headfirst into nature and community!
If you’re even slightly curious, start looking now. The Great North SwimRun is held every June and offers distances for all levels. Train in a swimming pool and progress to your local, canal, park or beach. Make sure you find a local club though!!
And next year join the fun!!
Cold Water Swimming: The Good, the Chilly, and the Cautionary
The SwimRun experience naturally leads to a wider conversation about cold water swimming, which has exploded in popularity in recent years. Whether in the sea, lakes, or rivers, people across the England are taking the plunge, not just for fitness, but for mental clarity, resilience, and a sense of connection.
But like anything raw and real, it comes with risks as well as rewards. Here’s a breakdown:
A Guide to the Benefits of Cold Water Swimming
1. Mental Health Boost
- Cold water triggers a flood of endorphins and dopamine, I suppose nature’s antidepressants.
- The shock brings intense focus, helping those who struggle with anxiety or overthinking.
- Regular dips are linked to better stress resilience and improved mood.
2. Physical Health Perks
- Improves circulation by training blood vessels to expand and contract more efficiently.
- Reduces inflammation and muscle soreness, much like an ice bath.
- May boost the immune system, with some studies showing increased white blood cell activity.
3. Lifestyle and Community
- Encourages regular time in nature, with all the mental health benefits that brings.
- Builds strong social bonds, many swimmers join local groups and clubs.
- Fosters a powerful sense of achievement and body confidence, no matter your shape or speed.
A Guide to the Risks and Drawbacks
1. Cold Water Shock
- Sudden immersion can cause gasping, hyperventilation, and panic, a drowning risk. (*So, take guidance from an official club)
- Even strong swimmers can be caught off guard.
2. Hypothermia
- Prolonged exposure can lead to low body temperature.
- Early symptoms like shivering or confusion are often missed or misjudged.
3. Heart Strain
- Cold shock increases blood pressure and heart rate, risky for those with underlying conditions.
- Sudden immersion can trigger arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest in rare cases.
4. Environmental Hazards
- Rivers, lakes, and seas can contain pollution, bacteria, or debris.
- Currents, tides, and hidden obstacles can pose serious danger.
5. Accessibility & Sustainability
- Not everyone can participate, especially those with health conditions or limited mobility.
- Popular swim spots risk erosion, littering, and wildlife disturbance if not managed responsibly.
(*as with any sport, professional guidance is important and joining an official club with the proper support and safety is essential)
Summary
Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete, a curious wild swimmer, or a WEU member looking for new ways to promote your health and Wellbeing, cold water is worth discussing. Events like the Great North SwimRun show how outdoor sport can bring people together in powerful, joyful, and slightly different ways.
So don’t be afraid to test the waters. But do your homework, respect the risks, and swim safe. The rewards, physical, mental, and social, can be well worth it.