It’s not every day that a small Welsh town like Llanwrtyd Wells finds itself splashed across international headlines, but thanks to a blend of eccentric tradition, community spirit, and a dash of competitive madness, that’s exactly what’s happened. The 39th annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships, held over the weekend of August 23-24, 2025, once again drew crowds and competitors from around the globe to this unassuming corner of mid-Wales. But this year’s event wasn’t just about the mud, flippers, and snorkels. It marked a historic turning point for the sport and served as a poignant reminder of the visionary who put Llanwrtyd Wells on the map.
The star of the 2025 championships was, without a doubt, Neil Rutter—a name now synonymous with bog snorkelling excellence. Rutter, a Bath-based schoolteacher, cemented his legacy by clinching his sixth world title with a blistering time of 1:18:13. His performance left spectators in awe and fellow competitors, as one local put it, "bogged down" in his wake. But this wasn’t just another notch on Rutter’s well-worn belt of victories. On August 25, 2025, he made sporting history by becoming the first ever professional bog snorkeller, signing a groundbreaking contract with Dacia, the automotive brand known for its adventurous ethos.
"As always, it’s an honour to participate in the Bog Snorkelling Championships!" Rutter declared after his latest triumph. "This year comes with even more cause for celebration than usual, as I announce my induction into the Dacia Adventure Community. Dacia’s reputation for adventure makes them the ideal brand for me, and for the sport. I’m proud to be the sport’s first professional athlete and I am looking forward to exploring more of the wonderful outdoors with Dacia and seeing what adventures we’ll achieve together."
For Rutter, the partnership means more than just personal recognition. He receives funding and a first-of-its-kind professional contract, officially joining the Dacia Adventure Community—a move designed to inspire others to embrace the quirky, challenging, and uniquely rewarding world of bog snorkelling. Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, was quick to highlight the synergy: "Adventure is in our DNA. We believe in embracing the raw, unfiltered joy of exploration and Neil embodies just that. His dedication to bog snorkelling, a sport that demands both physical endurance and a genuine love for the outdoors, makes him an ideal candidate for our Adventure Community. We’re incredibly excited to have Neil join us as the first professional in the sport, as he continues to push boundaries and inspire others to find their own everyday adventures."
But what exactly is bog snorkelling, and why has it captured the imagination of so many? Now in its 39th year, the sport involves competitors swimming two lengths of a 60-yard trench cut through a peat bog, armed with nothing but a snorkel, flippers, and a healthy disregard for the conventional. It’s a spectacle that’s as muddy as it is mesmerizing. The event’s reputation has grown to such an extent that the travel guide Lonely Planet lists it among the world’s top 50 "must do" experiences—a testament to the enduring appeal of this offbeat challenge.
The rise of bog snorkelling and other eccentric sporting events in Llanwrtyd Wells owes much to one man: Gordon Green. Green, who passed away on August 22, 2025, at the age of 90 after a short illness, was the creative force behind some of Wales’ most unusual—and celebrated—competitions. His legacy began in 1980, when, as landlord of the Neuadd Arms pub, he overheard a spirited debate about whether a man or a horse would fare better over mountainous terrain. That conversation sparked the now-legendary Man v Horse race, a contest that still draws adventurers from around the world.
Green’s imagination didn’t stop there. Over the years, he introduced stone skimming, bicycle chariot racing, and, of course, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships. These events have transformed Llanwrtyd Wells from a quiet rural outpost into a vibrant hub of eccentric sporting culture, attracting thousands of competitors and visitors every year. In 2013, Green’s contributions were formally recognized when he received an outstanding achievement award at the National Tourism Awards for "putting mid Wales on the tourism map." The following year, he earned the Point Light Award, with then Prime Minister David Cameron praising his "wonderfully bizarre" events for giving Llanwrtyd an "incredible boost" and drawing thousands of participants and spectators to the town.
Rutter’s latest triumph and professional signing come at a poignant moment, just days after the passing of the man who made it all possible. The 2025 championships served as both a celebration of individual achievement and a heartfelt tribute to Green’s enduring vision. The event’s continued popularity and international acclaim are a living legacy to his belief that sport should be fun, inclusive, and just a little bit wild.
For those who have never witnessed bog snorkelling firsthand, it’s easy to dismiss it as a quirky sideshow. But make no mistake—this is a test of grit, stamina, and sheer determination. Competitors battle not only the clock, but the thick, peaty water and the ever-present risk of losing a flipper in the mud. It’s a sport that rewards both physical prowess and a willingness to embrace the absurd. As Rutter’s record-breaking time of 1:18:13 demonstrates, success here is hard-won and well-deserved.
The future of bog snorkelling looks brighter than ever. With a professional athlete now representing the sport and a global audience tuning in, there’s every reason to believe that what began as a local curiosity will continue to grow. The Dacia partnership brings new resources and visibility, ensuring that the spirit of adventure Gordon Green championed lives on.
As Llanwrtyd Wells prepares for another year of offbeat competitions—from Man v Horse to stone skimming and beyond—the town stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and a willingness to get a little muddy in pursuit of something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a curious spectator, there’s no denying the infectious energy that fills the air each August.
So, what’s next for Neil Rutter and the world of bog snorkelling? With his place in history secure and a professional contract in hand, Rutter is poised to inspire a new generation of athletes. As for Llanwrtyd Wells, its reputation as the beating heart of eccentric British sport is only set to grow. One thing’s for sure: the adventure is far from over.
