This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Add a reviewWant to see all previous and future editions of this event, find them below.
Great East Swim
Alton Water, Ipswich
Alton Water, Ipswich, UKSat 19th June 2021
6 races
£19.00 - £69.00
Organiser's Description
The event will follow strict covid-secure procedures, ensuring the safety of participants, spectators and Great Swim crew. As such we will be operating to a reduced capacity and a slightly different timetable to previous years.
It will be a fantastic day out in a truly stunning setting. With distances to suit all levels and abilities, a farmers' market and musical entertainment, there really is something for everyone!
The event will see the return of the popular event village, complete with farmers’ market, exhibitor stands, pop-up food stalls and music.
It’s been a year and a half since we saw the high-fiving celebrations with friends and family, well-earned medals being worn with pride and beaming smiles on faces. We can’t wait to see you all again!
We are delighted to be able to open the 10k distance for swimmers in 2021, however there is a notable change. Having reviewed the event in light of the current Covid-19 guidance, we are unable to offer a feed station. As this is an endurance event swimmers will have to agree to swim self-supported. This will mean using a mandatory tow float device such as this, to carry water and appropriate food. Each swimmer must tow their own float, and these will be inspected at check in. If there is a notable change in Covid-19 guidance then this policy may be reviewed.
NB - By entering the 10k event you agree that you will swim with a tow-float containing any nutrition you require to complete your 10k swim.
Races
-
250 Metres£19.00 CLOSED
Swim250 (8+ Yr Olds)
-
Half Mile£34.00 CLOSED
12+ Yrs Old
-
1 Mile£39.00 CLOSED
16+ Yrs Old
-
2 Miles£44.00 CLOSED
16+ Yrs Old
-
5 Km£46.00 CLOSED
-
10 Km£69.00 CLOSED
Book
-
250 Metres£19.00 CLOSED
Swim250 (8+ Yr Olds)
-
Half Mile£34.00 CLOSED
12+ Yrs Old
-
1 Mile£39.00 CLOSED
16+ Yrs Old
-
2 Miles£44.00 CLOSED
16+ Yrs Old
-
5 Km£46.00 CLOSED
-
10 Km£69.00 CLOSED
What's Included
The entry fee includes entry into the event, a 2020 John West Great Swim finisher's pack and medal
Location
The John West Great East Swim is staged at Alton Water Sports Centre near Ipswich. Suffolk IP9 2RY.
How To Get There
BY CAR:
The John West Great East Swim can be reached by following the postcode IP9 2RY. There will be parking available but it will be £5 on the day.
Due to narrow stretches of road around the event venue please can we ask that you drive carefully through the lanes and the village of Stutton and refrain from parking along the roads.
If you are planning to drive to the John West Great East Swim have you considered car sharing?
Blue Badge parking is available at the Visitor Centre at Alton Water. Please follow the directions of the parking stewards.
BY TRAIN:
London Liverpool Street station is approximately a 60 minute train ride away, with direct trains running every half an hour to Manningtree-the nearest station to Alton Water. From here you can get a taxi to take you to the event site.If arriving at Ipswich main line station you will need to get a connecting train to Manningtree. Trains run every 30 minutes between Ipswich and Manningtree. From here you can get a taxi to take you to Alton Water.
BY BIKE:
There are cycle routes to Alton Water. A bike park will be available, but it will not be staffed but we recommend that you bring a suitable bike lock and that you do not leave any valuables with your bike.
Distance Details
Swim250
The Swim250 is a great choice if you’re looking to try the open water for the first time, or if you’d like swim with the family.
- All 8 – 12 year olds must be accompanied by an adult
- Anyone over the age of 12 years old can take on the swim as an individual
- Wetsuits are compulsory
Half Mile
A great introduction to outdoor swimming, the ½ mile is the equivalent to around 32 lengths of a standard 25m pool. The average completion time to complete the ½ mile distance is approx 20 minutes.
1 mile
The 1 mile is suitable for swimmers of all abilities and is equivalent to 64 lengths of a standard 25m pool. The average completion time is approx 40 minutes. You can choose to enjoy a leisurely breaststroke while taking in the scenery or kick into crawl for a faster time.
2 miles
2 miles is the perfect event for open water swimmers looking for a longer challenge and who have maybe tried an open water swim before. A 2 mile swim is equivalent to around 125 lengths of a standard 25m pool and the average completion time is around 1 hour 15 minutes.
5 km
This distance is suited to experienced, confident swimmers looking to go that little bit further. A 5k swim is equivalent to around 200 lengths of a standard 25m pool. For this distance cut-off times apply: swimmers must be able to reach halfway (2500m) within 1 hour and finish within 2 hours. Generally the 5k takes in 3 laps of the standard 1 mile route.
10 km
The 10k marathon swim is suitable for regular swimmers who are capable and confident of taking on longer distances. Putting in the hours of training for this distance is highly recommended. The entry age is 18 years old and over (on event day) and anyone who enters must be able to swim 10k unaided, within 4 hours. This swim is generally 6 laps of the standard 1 mile course.
Wetsuit Policy
Wetsuit use is optional at all John West Great Swim events for water temperatures of 15⁰C or above. Swimmers choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float, swimmers wearing wetsuits can also choose to swim with a tow float. This only applies to swimmers aged over 16 years old. Swimmers aged under 16 will be required to wear a wetsuit.
We’ve teamed up with 2XU to provide a wetsuit hire service, available from late March. More details coming soon.
FAQs
We've put together a comprehensive list of questions and answers around the Great East Swim.
WILL THERE BE CAR PARKING?
Priority Car Parking will go on sale closer to the time, with a variety of other transport options also available. We are working with the local transport partners to ensure there are a range of options to get to the event site. We will communicate with all entrants when the priority car parking goes on sale.
DO WE HAVE TO WEAR MASKS WHEN IN THE EVENT SITE?
Whilst plans are still to be finalised it is not anticipated that face masks will be compulsory around the general site, due to the open air nature of it. This will be confirmed closer to the event date based on wider Covid restrictions, as well as any areas where masks may be compulsory (such as public transport, etc).
WILL THERE BE HAND SANITIZER?
Hand sanitizer will be available around the event site.
CAN I TAKE SPECTATORS WITH ME, IF SO HOW MANY?
There are no specific plans to limit spectators coming to the event at present, however there will be areas within the event site itself that are reserved for swimmers only. At this stage we are not able to guarantee that friends and family will be able to view swimmers in the water, due to the nature of the event site.
WILL THERE BE AN EVENT VILLAGE?
We are hoping to deliver an exciting event village, including sponsors and partners, as well as food and activities for all.
WILL THERE BE A WARM UP?
The exact format of the warm up is yet to be confirmed, and will be communicated nearer the event date. We will of course be holding our usual safety briefings prior to each swim.
WHERE CAN SPECTATORS STAND?
At this stage we are unable to provide exact details of what viewing will be available for spectators and supporters.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN A WAVE?
All waves will have sufficient time and space to assemble in a socially distanced manner, with 1m+ space for all. In addition swimmers will be slowly released over the start line to ensure distancing can continue in the water.
WILL PEOPLE STILL WRITE MY SWIM NUMBER ON MY HAND?
Our safety systems will undergo a full review to ensure they are in line with current Covid-19 guidelines. Safety of swimmers, spectators, volunteers and staff will be at the centre of any decisions.
WILL THERE BE THE SAME WATER SAFETY PROCEDURES IN PLACE I.E. KAYAKS,ETC?
Our safety systems will undergo a full review to ensure they are in line with current Covid-19 guidelines. Safety of swimmers, spectators, volunteers and staff will be at the centre of any decisions.
WHAT IF IT’S CANCELLED AGAIN?
If the 2021 event is cancelled we will automatically roll your place over into the subsequent staging of the event.