About World Bogsnorkelling Championships
Every year, the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells becomes the centre of one of the world’s most unusual sporting events - the World Bog Snorkelling Championships. Competitors from across the globe gather to take part in this muddy, exciting and very unusual race.
The event was first organised in 1985 to attract visitors to the area and has since become an internationally famous competition. It takes place in a peat bog called Waen Rhydd, just outside the town. What started as a fun local idea has grown into a major annual attraction, drawing hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators.
The rules of bog snorkelling are simple but unusual. Participants must wear a snorkel, diving mask and flippers and swim through a water-filled trench cut through the bog. The trench is about 60 metres long, and competitors must complete two lengths as quickly as possible. Traditional swimming strokes are not allowed, so racers must rely mainly on the power of their flippers to move through the muddy water.
Although the race is taken seriously by many competitors, the event is also famous for its fun and festive atmosphere. Many participants compete in colourful fancy dress costumes, including superheroes, animals and other creative outfits. This adds entertainment for spectators and helps make the championships one of the most unique sporting events in the world.
Over the years, the championships have gained worldwide media attention and have helped promote tourism in mid-Wales. Visitors travel from many different countries to watch or take part in the muddy challenge.
The World Bog Snorkelling Championships proves that sport does not always have to be traditional to be exciting. With its mixture of competition, humour and community spirit, the event continues to bring people together and celebrate one of the quirkiest sports ever created.
30 August 2026
