Bedford schoolchildren in Years 3 to 11 can now register for the Bedford Junior Aquathlon, returning on Sunday 11 October for its 20th year. The swimming-and-running event runs from 8.15am to 12.30pm, costs £10 per participant and is limited to 200 entrants.

Swimming takes place at Robinson Pools & Fitness on Park Avenue, with the running section held in Bedford Park. Booking is open through Bedford Borough Council, but closes at 5pm on Tuesday 29 September—or earlier if all 200 places are taken. Entries will not be accepted on the day.

Who can take part and how the event is set up

The aquathlon is for children in school Years 3 to 11. Rather than asking every entrant to complete the same course, organisers will set the number of pool laps and the running distance according to each school year.

Bedford Junior Aquathlon: £10 entry deadline for families

That year-by-year format means the event combines the same two disciplines—swimming and running—while using distances tailored to the age group taking part. Families should note that the two elements are held at separate Bedford venues: the swim at Robinson Pools & Fitness and the run in Bedford Park.

The event is organised by Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit. It is sponsored by the Gale Family Charity Trust and supported by GLL through the council’s leisure contract.

A timed challenge rather than a mass start

Children will start on a rolling basis, at intervals of around 20 to 30 seconds depending on age. Participants will therefore compete against the clock rather than begin together as one field.

After all races have finished, winners in each age group will be announced at the finishing line. The 200-participant limit is intended to support the safety and enjoyment of entrants, according to Bedford Borough Council.

Registration deadline and key details

Detail	Confirmed information
Date and time	Sunday 11 October, 8.15am–12.30pm
Swim venue	Robinson Pools & Fitness, Park Avenue, Bedford
Run venue	Bedford Park
Eligible entrants	Schoolchildren in Years 3 to 11
Entry fee	£10 per participant
Capacity	200 participants
Booking deadline	Tuesday 29 September at 5pm, or when full

Places may close before the stated deadline if the cap is reached, so families who want to enter should register before relying on availability later in September. The council says entry fees help fund the event. Registration and further information are available from Bedford Borough Council’s aquathlon page.

Source: Bedford Borough Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source check

This preview uses the published Bedford Borough Council event notice for its date, venues, entry rules and registration deadline.

Checks

Confirmed the Sunday 11 October date and 8.15am start time.
Confirmed swimming at Robinson Pools & Fitness and running in Bedford Park.
Confirmed the £10 entry fee and 200-participant limit.
Confirmed that registration closes at 5pm on 29 September or when places are filled.

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