Swimmers make a splash at Salford Quays

Thousands of swimmers from all over the UK will brave the waters of Salford Quays this Sunday (26 September) as they take part in the inaugural British Gas Great Salford Swim.

2,000 swimmers will take part in the one-mile, open water swim, including people raising money for charity and champion swimmers who are expected to provide some world-class sporting action.

Multiple world champion and Olympic medallist Thomas Lurz will go head-to-head with world champion tri-athlete Alastair Brownlee in the elite men's race. There’s no elite women’s race but Britain’s Olympic 10k bronze medallist Cassie Patten – winner of the British Gas Great London Swim in July – will be attending the event.

The men’s elite race will begin proceedings on the day at 10am and will be followed by a series of waves for the main field, starting at 10.30am and continuing every half hour until the final wave at 3.30pm.

The point-to-point course starts at No 9 Dock near The Lowry, traverses Mariners Canal and finishes in Dock 8 beside the Watersports Centre.

Spectators get free entry – there are vantage points for viewing the action right around the Quays. There will also be lots of other attractions to see and do at the event, such as charity and sponsors’ marquees.

The race is now full so you'll have to wait until next year if you want to take part and haven't already registered for a place. Sunday's event is a good chance to go and see what you'll be up against.

One swimmer taking part is Britain’s 2004 Olympic medallist Steve Parry, aged 32, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October 2009. Steve, who won a bronze in the butterfly at Athens, received treatment and care from the Christie cancer charity and plans to raise funds to help the organisation build a new radiotherapy centre at Salford Royal.

Leader of Salford City Council, Councillor John Merry, said: “This is a brand new swimming event and we are delighted to be hosting it here in Salford. It is another of our fantastic Events to Shout About! and promises to be a great day out for all the family.”

To find out more about the event, including course map and timetable, click here.