Bedford’s hugely popular Junior Aquathlon is back for 2025, and the window for signing up for the first event on 30 March is now open.
The two Junior Aquathlon events in 2024 saw children aged 8-16 swim through Robinson Pool and run around Bedford Park in a fun, challenging and inclusive event aimed at getting the town’s young people moving.
The Aquathlon is open to school years 3 to 11, with staggered starts and a range of distances covered depending on the participant’s age group.
The distances range from 66 metre swim and a 600 metre run for the youngest competitors up to a 400 metre swim followed by a 2.8km run for the oldest.
Participants start on poolside, swim their allocated distance, put running clothes on at the poolside and leave via the fire exit and run round Bedford Park. The ‘clock’ is on the whole time.
After the event awards will be presented to first, second and third placed in each year group, and everyone else’s results will be emailed the following day.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said; “The Junior Aquathlon is a fantastic way to encourage children to get active, develop their skills, and have a great time!
“We saw some incredible performances at the last event, and we’re excited to welcome even more young athletes in March.”
Feedback from last year’s events was hugely positive.
“It was my daughter’s first time and she thoroughly enjoyed it! It was lovely to see that anyone can do it no matter their level of running or swimming,” said one parent while another said their son had labelled it his, “favourite event” whilst praising the organisation and smoothness of the event.
Spaces are limited so participants are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible via this link.
A short video of 2024’s events, that was also showed Bedford Borough Council’s Sports and Physical Activity Awards, can be seen here.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 18 March.
