Organisers are counting down to a spectacular Bogfest over August Bank Holiday weekend with events including the famous World Bogsnorkelling Championships and a Bogathlon.
The team at Green Events are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors in the small Mid Wales town of Llanwrtyd Wells on August 29 and 30.
The town has developed an international reputation for organising unusual challenges in a series of both wacky and traditional events.
This year's Bogfest will include live music across the weekend – starting on Saturday at 4pm and continuing on Sunday from around 10am until late.
The ‘Chapel' Bogathlon on August 29 is a mini triathlon with a twist. The event, which starts at 11am, comprises a 60-yard swim, two-mile cross country cycle and one mile run over testing, probably wet, terrain. Competitors must be over the age of 14.
The 40th ‘Chapel' World Bogsnorkelling Championships take place on August 30 – from 10am to around 3.30pm – and is expected to attract competitors from around the world, bidding to become the fastest bogsnorkeller over 120 yards.
Before that, the Summer Cider Cycle and MTB Chariot race takes place on August 15. The non-competitive cycle ride follows marked routes across the countryside and is suitable for riders of all standards, but there are special sections for the more experienced.
The MTB Chariot racing is for three person teams – one charioteer and two on mountain bikes replacing the horses. Special chariots, built using traditional, ancient Roman mild steel, vulcanised rubber and welding techniques, have been commissioned for the event and will race against each other and the clock to determine this year's world champions
According to the organiser, Green Events, the winning team has to “demonstrate exceptional skill and courage” and will need to “co-ordinate and co-operate fully as a single unit to overcome all challengers”.
This race is expected to attract around 10 teams and bikes are provided free of charge for this event. Entries for the MTB Chariot Race and Summer Cider Cycle will be accepted on the day or can be registered at www.green-events.co.uk in advance.
Returning to more normal territory, from September 16 to 19, Llanwrtyd Wells hosts the Mid Wales Four Day Walking Festival, followed by The Ron Skilton Memorial Half Marathon and 12k races on October 18, with profits going to the MNDA for research into motor neurone disease.
The half marathon has been described by runners as possibly the toughest in the country.
For more information about any of the events, visit www.green-events.co.uk.
