On 30 March 2024, after six months of cold-water swimming, we will close the season at U Žida in Frýdek-Místek together with the Frýdlant nad Ostravicí swimmers. The event includes our second Cold-Water Duathlon: a race in which you run, swim and run again.
Last year, the season finale and duathlon were held separately, a fortnight apart. We thought it would be better to bring them together into one bigger event. We also decided to end the season jointly, with the Frýdek-Místek and Frýdlant nad Ostravicí groups. Most of us know each other anyway, so why not enjoy it together?
We will meet at U Žida at the usual time of 9 am, catch up with the friends we have enjoyed seeing all winter, have a chat and share what we love about it. At around ten, race director Pavla Pavelková will start the race: men first, then women once the men's race has finished. Capacity is 50 men and 50 women.
Registration will be online and in advance only. Once again, the CZK 100 entry fee will not even cover the costs, let alone make a profit, but that is not why we do it. Everyone will receive a medal, with a particularly lovely medal and a prize for the winners. There will probably be a raffle again too. On that note, if you have something interesting to donate, we would be delighted — and the winners doubly so.
A doctor and rescue personnel will be present, along with photographers and probably a TV crew. It should be an enjoyable sporting and social event, and the coverage will help introduce more people to winter swimming.
The route consists of three laps of approximately 700 metres each. Runners head from the weir towards Krmelec and circle the small wood — whatever you would call it — twice. That should warm everyone up, make a cooling dip welcome and spread the field out, so the water is less crowded than last year. You may enter away from the steps, but must still go through the entry pool before swimming to the far bank and back. Competitors then change out of their swimwear into at least one layer of clothing on both the upper and lower body, before running the final lap.
That makes the total running distance just over 2 km.
This is a club race for our Frýdek-Místek and Frýdlant nad Ostravicí groups, and others who have joined us at least occasionally and whom we know. The organisers — Pavelková, Jiřík, Paseka and Zemek — have the final say on participation.
You must also meet the qualifying requirements, above all being able to swim across the river and back comfortably in water below 4°C.
Keep an eye on Facebook: registration will open at the end of February.
We look forward to seeing you. It should be great fun again.
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