Bog snorkellers compete to swim two lengths of a 60-yard peat bog in the fastest time at the world championships in Wales
Neil Rutter, a school teacher from Bath as been named the five time Bog Snorkelling World Champion(Image: Dacia)
A teacher has been crowned bog snorkelling world champion for the fifth time. Neil Rutter smashed the record at the Bog Snorkelling World Championships, held in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys.
The eccentric yet demanding event involves competitors swimming two lengths of a 60-yard peat bog trench in the shortest time possible, equipped with a snorkel and flippers.
Neil, from Bath, swam the trench in an awe inspiring time of 1:18:13, winning for the sixth time and leaving others bogged down. Llanwrtyd Wells is the smallest town in Wales as well as the venue for the Bog Snorkelling World Championships and there’s lots to do and see there.
The trench cut through a bog in Powys where the Bog Snorkelling World Championships is held in Llanwrtyd Wells(Image: Dacia)
As well as being world champion of the niche sport Neil is also now its first ever professional athlete.
After his win he was officially signed by car firm Dacia. He took away funding and a first-of-its-kind professional contract.
Bog snorkelling, now in its 39th year, demands endurance and a love of the our doors. Rutter has now become the sport’s most recognisable and celebrated figure.
Neil Rutter emerges victorious (Image: Dacia)
After hurtling through the trench in record time he said: “As always, it’s an honour to participate in the Bog Snorkelling Championships.
“This year comes with even more cause for celebration than usual, as I announce my induction into the Dacia Adventure Community.
“I’m proud to be the sport’s first professional athlete.”
Competitors prepare to plunge into the bog(Image: Dacia)
Competitors gathered by the trench in the hot August sunshine before plunging into the murky depths.
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited to have Neil join us as the first professional in the sport, as he continues to push boundaries and inspire others to find their own everyday adventures.”
It’s no bog standard achivement, that’s for sure.