Bedford Junior Aquathlon - March 2025

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Aqualthlon winners in the October 2024 Aquathlon event

The next Bedford Junior Aquathlon will take place on Sunday 30 March 2025 at Robinson Pool in Bedford Park.

The Bedford Junior Aquathlon is a continuous swim and run event. 

Children swim and run different distances depending on their school year.

There will be competitions for each year groups – Year 3 to 11, however because the event has a staggered start (each child will go in 30 seconds after the one before) each participant is running their own race.

Participants start on poolside, swim their allocated distance, put running clothes on on poolside and leave via the fire exit and run round the Park. The ‘clock’ is on the whole time.

After the event awards will be presented to 1st 2nd and 3rd placed in each year group, everyone else’s results will be emailed the following day.

Everyone participating will be given a medal for taking part!

The event will take place in the morning, each year group will have a different registration and start time as there will be a rolling start (and waves for each year), this will be emailed a week before the event once booking is closed.

A parent whose child participated shared "This event was incredibly well-organised! The volunteers were fantastic, encouraging and supportive of all the children throughout the race. It was a fantastic experience for my child, and we can't wait to take part again next year!"

Book your place on the Junior Aquathlon 

The bookings for the March 2025 Aquathlon have now closed.

Everyone who has entered will receive an email by Friday 21 March to confirm their individual registration and poolside times.

If you missed out there will be another event in October 2025.

Over the years the Bedford Junior Aquathlon has increased in numbers due to its popularity and high demand. 

The safety and enjoyment of the children attending is our first priority so we have made the difficult decision to cap the maximum number of participants to 200. If we reach this number of bookings before the deadline of the 18 March 2025 we will close bookings.

Deadline for Booking form Tuesday 18 March 2025 at 5pm, no bookings will be accepted after the deadline.

Participants must book on, no entries will be accepted on the day.

Aquathlon objectives 

One of the primary objectives of the Bedford Junior Aquathlon is to promote inclusivity and encourage sports participation among youngsters of all abilities. The event warmly welcomes both novices and seasoned contenders, underscoring its inclusive values. Every participant will receive a medal, while trophies will be awarded to the top three performers in each category to reward their achievements.

Find out the full distances each age group will be required to swim and run (PDF).

Please see the video of our October 2024 Bedford Junior Aquathlon.

Aquathlon rules, running routes and pool layout

Please read the following documents, they contain important information for participants. 

Important dates for March 2025 Aquathlon

  • Booking form available from end of January 2025.
  • Deadline for booking form Tuesday 18 March 2025 at 5pm.
  • Email to be sent out to all participants Friday 21 March 2025.
  • Bedford Junior Aquathlon – Sunday 30 March 2025 (Robinson Pool and Bedford Park) (1st, 2nd and 3rd presented awards on day).
  • Results emailed out to all participants on Monday 31 March 2025.

Participants must book on, no entries will be accepted on the day.

Email sport@bedford.gov.uk for more information about the Bedford Junior Aquathlon.

See detailed results of the October 2024 event.

Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park 2024

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Yoga class in Bedford Park

420 Bedford Borough residents gathered in Bedford Park for the fifth annual Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park event on Sunday 9 June. 

Organised by the Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Team, the free day offered a vibrant mix of yoga sessions, wellness activities, and a chance to connect with the community.

The event featured a diverse range of 18 free Yoga and wellbeing sessions, led by qualified instructors. Participants enjoyed Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, and more, with options suitable for all levels.  Beyond yoga, attendees explored alternative wellness activities such as sound baths, laughter yoga, and mindful games for children.

In addition to the yoga and activities, the Wellbeing Information Desk provided valuable resources and advice from local mental health services and charities. Visitors learned about regular weekly activities focused on improving mental health and wellbeing, as well as self-help concepts and other available services.

Some feedback from participants

"It was a super idea with a large mixed diverse group of people enjoying and engaging in yoga and well-being. It was lovely to see the beautiful park in Bedford full. The reception staff were friendly and instructive."

"Very well organised and great teachers.’’

"It was free and classes were on time. It was full class session not tasters. Also being able to borrow a yoga mat was good."

"I attended with three other friends and also met some family members there too. With an age range between 2 and 55, we all had a wonderful day. Thank you."

Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park 2025

We are planning to run another event in June 2025.

If you are interested in taking part please email amy.stevens@bedford.gov.uk to register.