The annual World Bog-Snorkelling Championships celebrate their 20th year on Monday when competitors don the flippers in one of Britain’s most bizarre sporting events.
The championships take place in Llanwrtyd Wells, central Wales, Britain’s smallest town, and see entrants snorkel through the murky Waen Rhydd peat bog, overcoming mud, weeds and creepy crawlies in their grim quest for glory.
Wetsuits are optional but conventional swimming strokes are most certainly banned as competitors thrash through two lengths of the filthy, 55m-long trench.
Reigning champion Philip John of Bridgend, south Wales, won his third consecutive title last year, aged just 17, by wallowing through the stinking trench in one minute and 36,65 seconds.
Competitors from as far afield as Australia and the United States took part in 2004.
The event costs £12 to enter, with all profits going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust charity.
Britain plays host to several unusual and downright goofy championships, including marbles, conkers, toe-wrestling and black-pudding throwing. — AFP