ABOUT
The Dozen Dips is an ultra swimming event based at the stunning Cotswold Lake 86.
Long Course: Swim a mile, every hour, on the hour for 12 hours.
Total distance: 12 miles (around 19.3km)
Unsure about swimming 12 miles? Want to dip your toe in before committing to the Long course? We also have a short course.
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Short Course: Swim half a mile, every hour, on the hour for 12 hours.
Total distance: 6 miles (around 9.7km)​
The course will be set up as an 800m loop. Long course swimmers will complete two laps every hour (for a total of 12 miles). Short course swimmers will complete one lap every hour (for a total of 6 miles). Like our backyard running event, participants are able to use the time in between laps to rest and prepare for the next lap.
Entries for both long and short distance are open for soloists and relay teams – relay teams can be made up of either 2, 3 or 4 swimmers.
Wetsuit or skins? Swimwear is totally your choice (as long as your modesty is maintained). Tow floats are mandatory for if you are swimming without a wetsuit.
This event is designed to be fun, sociable and celebrate the health and wellbeing benefits of wild swimming. But for those competitive fishes amongst the shoal, fear not!... Laps will be timed, allowing us to crown the fastest in each category to complete each distance.
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A great event for spectators too with camping available on site and fantastic food stalls all part of Lake 86 facilities.
Join us for a Dozen Dips - Saturday 5th July 2025.
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race info
Date: Saturday 5th July 2025
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Race start: 0800 Saturday 5th July 2025
Race Finish: 2000 Saturday 5th July 2025
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Registration open: 1800 on Friday 4th July 2025
Registration closes: 0700 Saturday 5th July 2025
Camping available: Friday 4th & Saturday 5th July 2025 (off site by 1000 on Sunday 6th July 2025)
Event HQ is located in the fantastic Cotswold setting of Lake 86, South Cerny.
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Facilities available at HQ include toilets, changing facilities and plenty of room for camping at the start/finish line. In addition, there is an indoor area to provide shelter and the fantastic on site café. HQ will open at 1800 on Friday 4th July for registration. Registration closes at 0700 Saturday 5th July.
All swimmers to arrive and be registered by no later than 0700 Saturday 5th July.
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It is the responsibility of the Swimmer to ensure they are capable of competing in the race
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A race waver MUST be completed at registration
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Swimmers must adhere to the race rules laid out in the race briefing
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Swimmers must be in the starting corral when the bell rings
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Each swim starts precisely one hour after the last
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All swimmers must start when the bell rings (no late starts)
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No hand paddles or pull buoys
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Each swim must be completed within a hour to be counted, including the final lap
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The winner is whoever swims the total distance for each course (full distance 12 miles or intro distance 6 miles) in the fasted cumulative time
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Tow floats are mandatory for any swimmer who is not wearing a wetsuit (non negotiable)
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Full water safety team
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Timing
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Fully marked route
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Event team (first aid/marshals)
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Zero Waste log slice medal
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Dozen Dips towel
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Dozen Dips Swim hat
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Hot/cold water (burco boilers)
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Covered rest area
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Snacks for swimmers
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Log fire to warm up
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Tissues for when the crying starts
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A race director with a winning personality (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
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Camping*
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Toilets (male, female and disabled)
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Car parking (Note: parking is limited so please car share if possible)
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Swim wear (wet suit optional)
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Tow float
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Sufficient nutrition for the event (basic snacks will be provided)
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Warm Kit
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Chair for rest area (advised)​​​​
what's included
Facilities
what you need to bring
RACE RULES
cost
Entries for the long and short distance are the same price
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We ask that all swimmers also bring a foodbank donation from a list we will supply in our joining instructions email 1 month before the event.
​Soloist
Early bird entry = £110 (closes 1/10/2024)
Standard entry = £130
Relay Team (2, 3 and 4 swimmers)
Early bird entry = £140, £150, £160 (closes 1/10/2024)
Standard entry = £160, £170, £180
*Camping = £20 per pitch, max 4 people
location
CWP Hire, Lake 86, Spine Rd East, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 5TL
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