Mid-Wales was swamped today as divers from all over the globe descended on a peat bog in the region to take part in the renowned bog-snorkelling world championships.
The 34th annual Rude Health World Bogsnorkelling Championships took place in Llanwrtyd Wells on Sunday 28 August, with a bog snorkelling triathlon also taking place on Saturday.
Organisers have boasted that competitors in the two races are fighting for ‘one of the most prestigious (in our view) titles in international sport’.
Prizes are awarded for the fastest divers to complete the 60-metre trench course, but also for best-dressed, as divers don fancy dress while undertaking the extreme sport.
The 34th annual Rude Health World Bogsnorkelling Championships took place in Llanwrtyd Wells on Sunday 28 August, with a bog snorkelling triathlon also taking place on Saturday
Safety first: Mark Williams prepares to take part in the Rude Health World Bog Snorkelling Championships
Taking the plunge: Diver Mark Williams enters the murky bog in Wales during the championships on Sunday
I’m going in: Mark Williams, dressed in a Baywatch-inspired costume, took the plunge on Sunday
Visit Wales tells those aspiring to become bog divers: ‘If you prefer style over speed, you can enter the Fancy Dress Section, which has awards for the best costumes.
‘In previous years a pantomime horse was arguably the most difficult to snorkel in, closely followed by a man with an ironing board who was simultaneously competing in the other quirky international sport of another ‘Extreme Ironing’.’
Divers’ costumes appear to become more flamboyant each year.
Competitors and partners Shawn Palmer and Louise Wild kiss after they both competed in the Rude Health World Bog Snorkelling Championships
The Ladies Champion was Betsy Creak with a time of 1 minute 42.22 seconds and the Overseas Champion was Ian Maclachlan from South Africa with a time of 1 minute 38.75 seconds
The winner of today’s race was World Record holder Neil Rutter, who achieved a time of 1 minute 18.82 seconds in the 2018 championships
Swamp shark: This year brave divers flaunted shark, lifeguard and Santa Claus get-ups as they took the plunge
This year brave divers flaunted shark, lifeguard and Santa Claus get-ups as they took the plunge.
Andrew Tarver from Canada, who was in Wales on his honeymoon, celebrated by taking part in the race dressed as a bride.
The winner of today’s race was World Record holder Neil Rutter, who achieved a time of 1 minute 18.82 seconds in the 2018 championships.
Mr Rutter mounted a successful defence of his title but failed to break his own record with a time.
Around 150 plus divers take part in the event every year. The wacky event was first conceived of in a local pub, the Neuadd Arms in Llanwrtyd Wells
He broke the previous World Record of 1 minute 22.56 seconds, set in 2014 by Kirsty Johnson from Surrey in 2018, achieving another quick time this year of 1 minute 21.78 seconds.
The Ladies Champion was Betsy Creak with a time of 1 minute 42.22 seconds.
There was also an Overseas Champion title, claimed by Ian Maclachlan from South Africa with a time of 1 minute 38.75 seconds.
Around 150 plus divers take part in the event every year.
Andrew Tarver from Canada, who was in Wales on his honeymoon, celebrated by taking part in the race dressed as a bride
In 2019 bog snorkellers in the international event hailed from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden and USA.
In the same year, Lonely Planet described it as one of the world’s top 50 ‘must-do’ experiences.
The contest takes place at the Waen Rhydd bog, around a mile out of the town of Llanwrtyd Wells, getting underway at about 10am.
At one with nature: A competitor dons a pink floral get-up and sash supporting the Lupus UK charity during the event
Llanwrtyd Wells claims to be Britain’s smallest town.
The wacky event was first conceived of in a local pub, the Neuadd Arms in Llanwrtyd Wells.
Visit Wales says there is plenty of hospitality for spectators at the annual event.
The World Bog Series is just one of a host of bizarre sporting events organised by the Green Events company
A competitor plunges into the muddy depths at the Waen Rhydd bog, around a mile out of the town of Llanwrtyd Wells
‘For spectators, there are plenty of food stalls, a bouncy castle, live music and plenty of real ale and cider (as you’d expect from an event birthed in the local pub).’
The World Bog Series is just one of a host of bizarre sporting events organised by Green Events company around the Llanwrtyd Wells area every year.
Their inaugural event, the world famous Man versus Horse race, began in 1980.
Sian Andrews with a beaming smile as she takes part in the Rude Health World Bogsnorkelling Championships
A competitor has help with her snorkel before taking part in the Rude Health World Bog Snorkelling Championships
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