In one of the most bizarre sports competitions in Great Britain, the participants are properly judged

LONDON — Intrepid athletes strapped on their snorkels and slithered through slime at one of Britain’s most bizarre sporting events, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, on Sunday.

The annual competition, held in the small Wales town of Llanwrtyd Wells, sees contestants compete to complete two sections of a 60-yard (55-metre) water-filled ditch cut through a peat bog. You can use flippers on your feet, but traditional swimming strokes are prohibited.

Moor competitor sticks his head out of the water. — Competitors must cross two lengths of 55-meter bog without using traditional swimming methods.

Spectators joined in the fun too - some dressed in extravagant costumes that matched the theme of the event. — Spectators joined in the fun too – some dressed in extravagant costumes that matched the theme of the event.

Another wore a full suit and top hat on the moor.

Some participants outfitted their snorkels, masks and fins with extravagant details – one wore a giant plastic toad on his head, another had a swim cap decorated with flowers. Spectators joined in the fun as two in pink cardboard boxes announced they were limited edition Bog Snorkel Barbie and Ken.

Competitors in the 35th annual competition hoped to beat the time of current world record holder Neil Rutter, who won in 1 minute and 18 seconds in 2018.

Caroline Bleakley4 weeks ago