One of the world’s largest and most elaborate open water swimming extravaganzas is coming up this weekend, when thousands of swimmers, from Olympians to newcomers, head to Windermere for the one-mile two-day Great North Swim.

After an unexpected cancellation of the race last year due to blue-green algae, the elite and beginner swimmers are anxious to return to and compete in England’s largest lake – on one of the busiest open water swimming weekends of the year.

The men’s elite field will include Tom Allen (GBR), Jan Wolfgarten (GER), Dave Carry (GBR), Jan Posmourny (CZE), Alfie Howes (GBR), Chris Suggitt (GBR), Grant Quigley (GBR), Craig Nelson (GBR), Jake Plumley (GBR), Curtis Corrie (GBR) and Oliver Tennant (GBR).

The women’s elite field includes Cassandra Patten (GBR), Swann Oberson (SUI), Isabelle Haerle (GER), Maaike Waaijer (NED), Evelien Sohl (NED), Danielle Hall Jackson (GBR), Fern Davies (GBR), Sophie Rosser (GBR), Aisha Thornton (GBR), Grace Conlon (GBR), Ashleigh Dale (GBR), Charlotte Wooliscroft (GBR) and Fenella Foskett (GBR).

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