Bedford Borough Council is happy to announce the outstanding success of the 2025 Bedford Junior Aquathlon, held on Sunday, 30 March, at Robinson Pools & Fitness and Bedford Park. This year's event saw a record-breaking turnout of 173 participants, marking the highest attendance in the Aquathlon's 19-year history.
Young athletes aged 8 to 16 (school years 3 to 11) showcased their swimming and running skills in a fun and inclusive competition. The event was designed to welcome both seasoned competitors and newcomers, with distances tailored to each age group, ranging from a 66-metre swim and 600-metre run for Year 3 participants to a challenging 400-metre swim and 2.8-kilometre run for Years 10 and 11.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said; "It’s a fantastic record-breaking success for this year's Bedford Junior Aquathlon. It's great to see so many young people from our community embracing active lifestyles and challenging themselves in such a fun and inclusive event.
“Initiatives like this are vital for fostering a culture of health and well-being in Bedford, and I look forward to seeing even more young athletes participate in future events."
The Aquathlon fostered a strong spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among participants. Every participant received a medal for their achievement, with trophies awarded to the top three finishers in each age group (both boys and girls).
A parent whose child participated in the event shared; “The whole event was very well organised, all the information you provided prior to the event was really clear and helpful. Registration was smooth, quick and everyone was kept informed of any delays.
“All the staff were very friendly and the whole atmosphere was buzzing, but at the same time friendly and relaxed. Such a super event and we’re very lucky to have it run in our lovely town.
“Thanks to you and your team for all your hard work, we’re looking forward to watching our kids participate in October.!”
Amy Stevens, Sports Development Officer at Bedford Borough Council, who organised the event, added; "Witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of our young athletes was truly inspiring. The success of this event is a testament to the hard work of our team, the volunteers, participants, and their families. We're excited to build on this momentum and encourage even more young people to join us for our next event in October."
Bedford Borough Council extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, families, and volunteers, who contributed to the success of the 2025 Junior Aquathlon. Detailed results are now available online at www.bedford.gov.uk/aquathlon.
Save the Date! Plans are already underway for the next Bedford Junior Aquathlon, scheduled for Sunday, 12 October. Bookings will open in September, so mark your calendars and get ready to join in the fun.
This event was organised and managed by the Sports Development Team at Bedford Borough Council. Learn more about sporting and physical activity opportunities in Bedford Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/sport