Builth Wells Aquathlon will take place next month in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
Following the success of the first two events, the Builth Wells Aquathlon is back for its third year, and this time with a bit of a difference – the addition of a relay team event.
The event will take place at The Groe, on Sunday 9 August 2026, and will offer participants an opportunity to take part in the three events for charity.
In this year’s event, there will be three events to choose from – individuals can take part in a 200m (8 length) pool swim followed by a 3k run, or a 400m (16 length) pool swim followed by a 5k run. Then a two-person team can take part in the relay – one person will swim 400m, and their team mate will run the 5k. The minimum age to take part in the shorter event is 13 (as at 31.12.26) and they need to be 15 (as at 31.12.26) for the longer event and relay.
Each year Builth Wells Aquathlon has attracted between 70-80 participants. In last year’s sporting event, the age of those taking part ranged between 12 to 81, so it really is an event not to be missed for all ages and abilities. There will be a medal for all finishers and prizes for age category winners.
The popular event has once again received support from local organisations who have provided financial backing to help ensure the event can go ahead.
Helen Tuite, Aquathlon co-organiser, said “We are so grateful that Charcroft Electronics in Llanwrtyd Wells has very kindly offered to be headline sponsor for this year’s Aquathlon. We’d like to thank them and all the other local organisations who have helped us this year.”
Vicky Mellor, director at Charcroft, said “We are proud to support the Builth Wells Aquathlon, an event which brings people together from across the community in such a positive and inclusive way. Events like this encourage participation, wellbeing and local connection. Wales Air Ambulance provides a vital service to our communities, and we’re delighted to be able to support an event that helps raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.”
Adam Johnstone, Aquathlon co-organiser, said “We want to make the event as accessible as possible, and encourage more people to take part. So, we have set up some ‘have a go’ sessions at Builth Swimming Pool – every Friday in July from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
“You can swim two lengths or 50 lengths, then run (or walk) half a mile or 10 miles. You can come to one session or all of them. It’s totally up to you. Or even if you’ve done an aquathlon or triathlon before, you’re still welcome to come along.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
In 2026, the Charity marks its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter of a century, Wales Air Ambulance has grown from a single aircraft operating limited hours into a nationwide, 24/7 service delivering advanced, hospital-standard care wherever it is needed – from roadsides and homes to mountainsides and coastlines. Crews now have access to four aircraft and a fleet of rapid response vehicles.
The service has attended more than 57,000 missions, providing lifesaving treatment in some of the most challenging circumstances and giving patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
Builth Running Club member, Darren Hughes, has thanked Wales Air Ambulance after surviving a cardiac arrest while out running two years ago.
Darren collapsed during a routine run but was found by friend and fellow club member Lee Nicholson, who was passing at the time. Lee immediately called 999 and began CPR.
Builth Wells retained firefighters and paramedics arrived quickly, followed by the Wales Air Ambulance crew. Darren was treated at the scene before being flown to hospital in Cardiff.
Following his cardiac arrest Darren spent six days in a coma but has since made a full recovery. He said: “Wales Air Ambulance provides such a vital service in our rural community. I’m so grateful to them and everyone else who helped me on that day, which means I can now continue doing the sports that I love – running, swimming and cycling.”
Sion Edwards, Wales Air Ambulance’s Head of Fundraising and Retail for North and Mid Wales, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the charity that will benefit from this event, and hope people will enjoy the exciting new relay race. It is wonderful to hear of a charity event that is open to all abilities and ages, and we hope people, once again, get behind this not-to-be missed event.
“Each year the event has raised an incredible amount for charity. The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £13 million every year to help keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road throughout Wales, fundraisers like this one will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. We really appreciate the support from Builth Wells Aquathlon committee. You’re all playing a part in saving lives across Wales.”
To register for the event, visit www.entrycentral.com/BuilthWellsAquathlon2026.
For more information, email builthaquathlon@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/groups/builthwellsaquathlon.
Picture credit: Ted Edwards Photography
