2014 Bala Long Distance

Mark Westaway and Tara Dudley travelled to North Wales totake part in the BLDSA's Bala championship.

Both swam the 3 mile lake two ways to compete in the 6mile championship.  Dudley competed in the ladies freestyle whilst Westaway competed in the men's Breaststroke championship.

Dudley guided down the lake by her kayaker Chris Heale came 4th in the ladies championship in a time of 3hrs 14min 39sec.  Westaway, who before the swim was targeting the course record, won the championship in a time of 3hrs 51min 01sec.  At the start of the swim Westaway and kayaker Ian Lang knew the record would be a tall order due to the swim starting in a strong headwind.  Though Westaway missed out on the record he beat the next fastest breastroker by nearly an hour and hopes for better conditions next time he attempts the course.