Yoda, a Jedi Master of Star Wars fame, advises, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Ned Denison similarly advises marathon swimmers, “Commit. Register. There is no talk.”

While many swimmers dream of outlandish goals and wish to do something challenging in their adult lives, many also continue to think about and make the final commitment down. Sometimes, it is due to pressing family and work commitments; sometimes, it is simply due to inexplicable procrastination tendencies.

But Denison announced the 2024 of Cork Distance Week, a legendary intense training camp held in Cork, Ireland every July. CDW alumni known for reaching their dreams, whether it is a crossing of the English Channel or the achievement of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.

Denison explains, “CDW 2024 begins at 9 am on Saturday, July 6th and ends at 6 pm on Sunday, July 14th. We annually see a good number of marathon successes after the 9-day week.

The water is cold and texture lively for much of the 9-day week and includes a Triple Crown dinner.

2024 CDW applications now being accepted.”

Many marathon swimmers have followed Yoda’s advice. Denison confirms, “There are 3 or 4 times as many swimmers interested compared to places available – due to limited parking and dry land space. There are no professional lifeguards or fully manned safety motor boats – so swimmers experience and our current capability is our number 1 safety measure. Finally, we want a good mix of swimmers from different countries, with different goals plus CDW veterans and newbies.”

Most spots will be taken by end of October 2023. 

The popularity of CDW is due to several factors:

• marathon swimmers love to learn, bond and train together
• it is 9 days long
• it is a successful history – since 2009
• water temperatures are ALWAYS colder than Dover
• there is a natural 1.6 km course around Sandycove Island (see here)
• 500+ CDW alumni from around the world is a global network of like-minded individuals
• focus on making connections, learning, finding motivation, and swimming
• The Towel
• Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming Dinner
• Whatsapp group

For more information and registration, visit here.

Photo courtesy of Siobhan Russell Photography

© 2023 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shore“