The Chapel World Bog Snorkelling Championships will return to Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales this August, with Allica Bank sponsoring the world-famous Welsh event for the first time as part of its Here is Where the Heart Is campaign.
Held annually in the Powys town, the Championships see competitors from across the globe take on one of the world’s most unusual sporting challenges – racing through a 60-yard peat bog using nothing more than flippers and a snorkel. While some arrive hoping to break world records, many swap serious competition for outrageous fancy dress, making the event as much a celebration of fun as sporting prowess.
Now in its 40th year, the Championships have become one of Britain’s most iconic quirky sporting traditions. Recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 50 “must-do” experiences, the event attracts thousands of spectators and competitors from across the world.
Beyond the excitement of race day, the Championships provide a significant boost to Llanwrtyd Wells, bringing visitors into the town and supporting local businesses, while showcasing the volunteers and community spirit that have helped the event thrive for almost four decades.
Allica Bank sponsors the event as part of its Here is Where the Heart Is campaign, now in its third year, which celebrates the traditional, and often unique, events that make Britain’s communities special. These events, which are often volunteer-run, bring both locals and far-flung visitors together and support local economies. The Bog Snorkelling Championships joins a growing calendar of events backed by the bank, including the World Conker Championships, World Stone Skimming Championships, World Pea Shooting Championships, World Pooh Sticks Championships and the Great Knaresborough Bed Race.
Bob Greenough, organiser of the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, said: “The World Bog Snorkelling Championships are unlike anything else in the world – and that’s exactly why people keep coming back year after year. What began as a quirky local challenge has grown into an international event, but at its heart it remains a celebration of our community, our volunteers and the wonderfully unusual spirit of Llanwrtyd Wells.
“It takes a huge amount of effort from local people and businesses to bring the Championships to life each year, so having the support of Allica Bank is fantastic. Their backing will help us continue welcoming competitors from across the globe and ensure we can keep putting on a day full of fun, mud and memorable moments for years to come.”
Kate Davey, Relationship Manager for Wales at Allica Bank, said: “Whether you’re chasing a world record, pulling on a fancy dress costume or simply cheering on from the sidelines, the Bog Snorkelling Championships are a brilliant example of what makes local communities so special. It’s an event that puts Llanwrtyd Wells on the map, brings thousands of visitors into the town and creates opportunities for local businesses, volunteers and community groups.
“That’s exactly why we’re proud to support it through our Here is Where the Heart Is campaign. Events like this aren’t just wonderfully eccentric – they’re an important part of the local economy and a source of real community pride.
“I’ll be swapping my stilettos for flippers this year to take part myself, and I can’t wait to experience the Championships from inside the bog! I’m sure it’ll be muddy, memorable and a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to cheering everyone else on too.”
