The Jubilee 10km Swim
Also known as The Lovely Jubbly Swim, sponsored proudly by blueseventy
05 June 2012
↓↓Click Here or Scroll Down to Register↓↓
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The Inaugural Jubilee Swim
RESULTS WILL BE POSTED HERE BY fRIDAY JUNE 8TH |
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A 10km long distance swim taking in the whole length of the Jubilee River, starting near Maidenhead and finishing adjacent to the Thames Valley Athletics Centre in Eton. You can cover the 10km as an individual, or as part of a relay team of 4. For the teams; the legs are of varying distances, so it’s perfect for a mixture of abilities.
The Jubilee Swim is intended to be fun but a tough challenge; we want you to relax and enjoy it. With which, we’ll be setting you off in ‘sportive’ style, in 3 groups so you’ll be swimming with people of similar ability and together as a team you’ll make your way along the river. This isn’t a race; so swimming in a group is safer and more enjoyable, although you’ll be ‘cut loose’ in the last section of the swim to do your own thing to the finish.
The Jubilee River is a flood relief river, opened in 2002, and is a superb recreational venue too. Along its length you’ll find much flourishing wildlife as it has two nature conservation areas, and the well surfaced ‘towpath’ is part of a national cycle network. This makes the swim a dream for spectators as they can walk, run or cycle the whole course just yards away from the action!
With the kind permission of the Environment Agency, we are the first ever people to be allowed to use the Jubilee River for a sports event, are we’re very lucky. Surrounded by often used sporting venues the Jubilee River remains untouched and the Jubilee Swim provides an absolutely unique opportunity for all swimming enthusiasts. You will literally be the first swimmers to break this water through this beautiful scenery.
COURSE
The whole course is 10km, and is naturally split into 4 sections. There are 3 weirs along the river so you’ll leave the water a safe distance before each weir, travel on foot a short distance before re-entering the water a safe distance beyond the weir each time. These points mark the relay change-overs for our team swimmers.
The swim starts near the footbridge close to Mill Lane at the Boulters Lock & Maidenhead end of the Jubilee River, and passes through Dorney and Eton Wick before finishing next to the Thames Valley Athletics Centre on Pococks Lane in Eton.
More Details on the course will be included in the Swim Instructions, available two weeks before the swim.
For all enquiries contact andy@mysportingtimes.com
If you’d like to volunteer at a My Sporting Times event, or you can provide a volunteer whilst you compete, you can receive a £20 discount from a My Sporting Times race entry. Simply click the Volunteer link above ↑
Important Information and Updates
(click for more info)-
11-Jun-2012
Jubilee Swim Results
Congratulations once again on completing the Jubilee Swim! The results are now ready and you can view them HERE
You’ll note a couple of things – firstly the super quick swim times! It’s worth mentioning that the four legs of the course (1.9k, 3.5k,2.6k & 1.5k) add up to a total of 9.5k; the 10k is completed with the 500m of walking between the weirs. Also there must’ve been a tidy current on the day! Well done to you all.
Secondly, and unfortunately, our time keepers were unable to record swim times for some of the relay swimmers; please accept our apologies for this. It’s certainly something we’ll rectify for next year. For the here and now though, if your swim time is missing here but you know what it is, please inform Andy via andy@mysportingtimes.com and we’ll make the appropriate updates.
Applies to following categories:
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Individual
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Team Relay
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01-Jun-2012
Final Update
Adjustment of Bus Departure Times
Please note there has been a slight alteration to the scheduled departure time of the buses from the Thames Valley Athletics Centre to the start.
Bus One is for individual swimmers and leg one team swimmers, and some spectators. This will now leave TVAC at 9.10am.
Bus Two is for the remainder of the swimmers, including some individuals who need to be at the start in good time. This bus will now leave at 9.15am rather than 9.45am as previously stated.
It will head to the main start, so relay swimmers will have the option to get off here also and follow the river on foot should they so wish, rather than stay on the bus until their own leg start. Walking the route is our recommendation as relay teams will feel much more part of the event that way.
WATER TEMPERATURE
The latest reading from the river was taken on Thursday 31st and was a rather pleasant 18 degrees!
Enjoy your weekends and we'll see you bright and early on Tuesday morning.
Applies to following categories:
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Individual
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Team Relay
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01-Jun-2012
Important Swim Instructions - PLEASE READ
All you'll need to know for the day
JUBILEE SWIM EVENT GUIDE
As the Jubilee Swim will be a new event for you all, we would be very grateful if you’d carefully read the following event guide, and make sure that you’re happy with your arrangements for June 5th.
There will also be further information for spectators posted on the website later this week.
BEFORE
DIRECTIONS & CAR PARKING –
All of the event car parking is at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre on Pococks Lane in Eton, SL4 6HN. Coming from Maidenhead/M4 Junction 8/9, you need to take the A308 towards Windsor then a left onto the A322 where you’ll pick up the signs for TVAC. From the Slough direction/M4 Junction 6, take the A322 towards Windsor, take the first exit and pick up the signs for TVAC. For more local swimmers coming from the east, follow the B376 from Datchet and take a left towards Eton; TVAC will be on your right.
When you arrive please follow signs for the Overflow Car Park and the guidance of an event marshal. We recommend you plan to arrive by 8am, and by 8.30am at the very latest. Parking spaces are limited so please arrange to car-share wherever possible.
REGISTRATION –
You’ll then need to register at the Swim HQ between 8.15am and 9am. At registration you’ll be given your event swim hat with your swim number on, and you’ll be informed of which bus you need to board at the appropriate time. You can also leave any nutritional products here that you’d like to be taken to various points along the swim. Simply label whatever you’d like to be taken with your name and the drop off point. Please state this as the START of leg 2, or START of leg 3 etc.
Also at registration you’ll be informed of the swim group you’ll be in. We’ll have 3 groups, and it’s important you swim in the designated group (based upon your estimated swim times) so you’re with people of similar ability.
BUSES –
Bus 1 will be leaving TVAC at 9.15am and heading to the swim start. Bus 2 will be leaving TVAC at 9.45am and heading directly to the start of leg 2.
For solo 10km swimmers taken to the start, you’ll be able to leave your belongings on the bus as they’ll be transported back to TVAC and the finish area for you.
WE ARE NOT providing transportation for relay swimmers back to TVAC AFTER your swim leg has been completed. You will need to have made your own arrangements to be collected with your spectators/support team. You can leave any non-essentials on your bus as they’ll be taken back to TVAC for you, however we’d obviously suggest changes of clothing etc are left with your supporters.
Solo 10km swimmers will be dropped off at the start area by 9.35am, and there’s a 200m walk to the riverbank. The swim briefing will take place here at 9.50am ready for the first group to enter the water at 10am. For relay swimmers not attending the briefing, we will be posting the details of the swim brief on the website by May 31st – PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ THIS, WE WILL TAKE IT THAT YOU HAVE.
Relay swimmers will be taken to respective start areas and then left in guidance of the event officials in that area. Leg 3 and 4 swimmers may have some waiting around as they may not need to be in position for a good while, however you’ll be able to get off the bus to watch the event going on and to stretch your legs.
OUR RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE FOR RELAY SWIMMERS (If you’re feeling especially active!) TO TRAVEL TO THE START AREA & WALK ALONG THE RIVER TO THEIR LEG. This way you’ll be able to support the whole thing from the riverbank. PLEASE HAVE A PLAN AS TO WHAT YOU’RE DOING – YOU’LL BE ASKED WHEN YOU REGISTER. You can change your mind from when you entered.
DURING
THE WATER & SWIM SAFETY -
You will all be guided into the water be our team of marshals in specific areas – please listen to them, take your time entering the water, only using the areas suggested.
Each swim group will be supported by a team of canoeists. The canoeists are there to guide you along the river and to ensure that you’re safe in the water; at various points along the river they will be guiding you away from wildlife and conservation areas, so it’s very important that you follow their instructions.
There are 3 weirs along the river where you’ll have to exit the water and go around them on foot before re-entering. These provide the natural breaks for the team relay swimmers also. In these areas again, please listen to the instructions given by our marshals and in particular our marshals in canoes – we don’t want any of you going anywhere near the weirs that are marked by lines of yellow buoys in the water.
OUR SWIM ETIQUETTE –
The Jubilee Swim isn’t a race, it’s a timed swim with the emphasis on completing the distance and enjoying the experience. Despite swimming in groups of similar ability you’re bound to spread out as the distance goes on, and the naturally quicker swimmers will be able to swim more within themselves.
After exiting the water at each weir, we’ll give your swim group the chance to re-group and ultimately you will all move on together and start the next stage of the swim as one. At each weir you’ll be able to pick up some fluids and nutrition before moving on.
For the team relay swimmers it’s very important to be aware that you may not necessarily be ‘taking over’ from your teammate swimming the previous leg. It’s very possible that a swimmer in a slower swim group may complete their swim after a teammate in the following leg, who’s in a quicker swim group, has already set off. This won’t be a continuous ‘hand over the baton’ relay. Each relay swimmer will be timed individually for their leg as the times are collated at the end, like a stage race.
AFTER
AT THE FINISH –
At Eton when you exit the water for the final time our finish team will give you your fantastic Jubilee River Swim medal and goody bag. You’ll be able to tuck into some well deserved food & drink. Your kit and belongings will be there for you, and you’ll be able to use the changing/showers/toilet facilities in TVAC.
PRIZES –
Shortly after each swim group finishes we’ll have a low key prize giving, whereby we’ll randomly draw the winners name. The prize for each of our 3 swim groups will be a blueseventy swim pack; so it’s well worth having!
We shall also be randomly drawing a ‘winning’ team from the team relays
If you any questions at all then please email Andy via andy@mysportingtimes.com
Applies to following categories:
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Individual
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Team Relay
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31-May-2012
Jubilee Swim Briefing
Important - Please Read
This will be repeated immediately prior to the swim, but please read carefully in the meantime.
JUBILEE SWIM BRIEFING
Important Pre Swim detail
At registration you’ll be told which bus to use to the start – relay swimmers can be taken to their own start areas and our marshals will make sure you get off when you have to. However, we would encourage all swimmers to go to the start and support swimmers along the course.
When you pick up your swim hat at registration it will have written on it your swim group and your swim leg (for relay swimmers).
You can make your own arrangements, but we would encourage you to leave your bags at the front of the bus you get off, and they will be taken back to TVAC for you.
You can leave any specific nutrition you require at registration. Mark this with your name and the location it needs to be dropped off. Water and High5 energy drinks will be available at the aid stations, along with bananas and energy bars.
If you’re in a relay then make sure that you’re following the right group for your own start.
The Swim
There will be 3 groups with colour coded Swim hats arranged by estimated Finish Time.
You must remain with your designated group until the final leg unless otherwise instructed.
There will be individual and team swimmers in the water together on each leg.
Team relay swimmers remember that you may be starting your swim before your previous swimmer has exited the water – note the information on your hat (Swim Leg / Swim Group).
The course is point to point with 4 separate legs; Leg 1 [1.9k], Leg 2 [3.5k], Leg 3 [2.6k], Leg 4 [1.5k].
There will be a kayak team with each group along the course. Please obey the Kayak Marshalls and do not deviate from the course.
When exiting the water at the end of each leg marshals will be on hand to help you in and out of the water. Exit only in the designated areas unless in an emergency.
If you get into any problems please roll on to back and raise arm in the air.
To ensure that swimmers are not waiting for too long at the start of each leg you may be asked to hang on and join the group behind. Be realistic in how you feel at the end of the first leg.
Be careful on exit / entry points along the course – there are some uneven underfoot conditions in places. Take care of underfoot conditions also when walking around the weirs.
Respect other swimmers on the course, whether slower or faster.
Enjoy the swim!
Applies to following categories:
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Individual
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Team Relay
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30-May-2012
Update for Relay Swimmers
Useful Information
We've had some really good questions coming in over the last few days from relay swimmers, so we thought it wise to give you all the answers to the most common couple of them!
"I'm swimming Leg 4 of the team relay and you're transporting me to my start - do i have to sit on the bus from 9.15am when we leave Eton until 12.30pm when i'm likely to be swimming?"
No, you don't. It's an option that's there for you, but you can do whatever you like. Due to numbers it's now very likely that our two buses will no BOTH go to the very start of the swim, so you will all have the option to get out there and follow the whole swim on foot until you reach your own start area. Equally you'll be able to get out at any of the other stopping points and walk on to your own start. You will, of course, have to think what you're doing about kit and/or changes of clothes.
Our recommendation for someone swimming Leg 4 for example, would be to get the bus to the start, jump off and support from the riverbank all the way until Leg 4 and leave your kit with a teammate who'd just finished.
"I'm swimming the first leg as part of a team, what can i do about my kit?"
The easiest thing to do is to give it to your teammates to carry and they can give it to you when you finish or leave it for you in your finish area. Beyond that, you can arrange for your supporters to meet you with it, or leave it with us at registration, marked with your name and where you'd like to be dropped off, and we'll take it there for you.
Also, please be aware that the swim briefing will be available to view online tomorrow (we'll notify you). If you're unlikely to be present at the briefing on the morning, as you've gone directly to your swim start for example, then we will have taken it that you have read it.
Applies to following categories:
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Team Relay
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28-May-2012
Jubilee Swim Spectator Guide
Download the spectator guide for spectator instructions. [DOWNLOAD FILE]
Applies to following categories:
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Individual
The Jubilee 10km Swim >> Team Relay
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21-Mar-2012
Swim Safety
UPDATED
Open Water swimming is not without its dangers, and obviously it involves a great deal more risk than a swimming pool with lifeguards.
Your safety is our top priority and we want you to be safe and to feel safe at all times, we have therefore put into place all possible measures to make sure this is the case. However, we want you to be very clear about the potential risks that swimming in a river can bring, and we want to give you all of the relevant information that allows you to make an informed decision to participate in the Jubilee Swim event.
The water temperature for June 5th is likely to be in the region of 15-17 degrees; a touch chilly perhaps, but certainly not cold. There are certain dangers you should be aware of when swimming in a river, be it the Thames or the Jubilee River.
Obviously we will be assessing the quality of the water nearer the time of the Jubilee Swim for its suitability of use, but rest assured that all previous investigations show that the quality is at least as good as the Thames if not better. The Jubilee River is perfectly safe to swim in, but drinking water it is not! It is also recommended that cuts and broken skin are covered before entering the water [Petroleum Jelly]. According to research completed by the Outdoor Swimming Society, rivers in the UK are cleaner than they’ve been for 150 years.
You will be escorted along the Jubilee River by our teams of canoeists, kindly supporting us from a local club. You will never be out of sight of our canoeists and our event marshals along the riverbank; ample medical backup will also be provided on-site. If you find yourself in trouble whilst swimming, simply roll onto your back and raise your arm in the air to attract the attention of a canoe or land based marshal.
The Jubilee Swim isn't a wetsuit compulsory event, although we would very strongly recommend you use a wetsuit. If you're not intending to swim in a wetsuit, the organisers would be grateful if you'd contact them on andy@mysportingtimes.com with re-assurance of your swim experience and ability.
A full swim briefing will be given before any swimmer is allowed to enter the water.
Applies to following categories:
All categories
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23-Feb-2012
Parking and Transportation
The Jubilee Swim Car Park will be in the Overflow Parking area of Thames Valley Athletics Centre. Found HERE.
Transportation can be provided for spectators from the Thames Valley Athletics Centre to the Start and to the checkpoints as the swimmers are dropped off. Once a spectator has got off the coaches they must get themselves back to TVAC – they will need to be happy to walk the 10k along the river. It is flat and on a good surface, and should be very achievable. The cost of transportation for spectators is £5, and this will be added, where required, to the cost when a swimmer enters.
Your Entry Fee covers all safety aspects of an open water event, transportation from TVAC to your swim start, event insurance, your race medal, sports nutrition on route, and the use of the beautiful Jubilee River.
Applies to following categories:
All categories
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23-Feb-2012
Race-Day Itinerary
Please Read Carefully
The first group of swimmers will start at 10am, with group 2 setting off at 10:05am and group 3 at 10:10am.
Registration on the morning will take place at Swim HQ on the waterside at Thames Valley Athletics Centre between 8.30am & 9am. Race Packs will include your swim cap.
Every individual swimmer and leg 1 swimmers from a relay teams will be coached to the start area. There is no parking at the start, so please do not drive yourself there or encourage spectators to park there. Further advice for spectators access to the route and suggested car parking areas will come in due course.
For the other relay swimmers, you will have the option of being driven to your start areas, however we cannot collect ANY relay swimmer AFTER their swim leg. You will need to make your own arrangements for collection.
Basic rations, i.e. Bananas & water etc will be available at all checkpoints along the route.
Safety kayaks will be escorting each group at the front and rear, and our medical back up with have immediate access to the river at all times too.
All swimmers will receive a kit bag at registration with their swim number on it; this should be used if you require anything to be transported back to Swim HQ from your start area.
Every Swimmer will receive a finishers medal
Applies to following categories:
All categories
Individual
£ 65.00
ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED AS OF NOON MAY 31ST
You’ll swim the entire 10km, and your route can be found HERE
Team Relay
£ 80.00
THE TEAM RELAY IS NOW FULL & WE ARE NO LONGER TAKING ENTRIES.
(all swimmers must register at once)
Leg One Team Swimmer: You’ll swim 1.9km, and your route is HERE
Leg Two Team Swimmer: You’ll swim 3.5km, and your route is HERE
Leg Three Team Swimmer: You’ll swim 2.6km and your route is HERE
Leg Four Team Swimmer: You’ll swim 1.5km and your route is HERE