This unique event is back in 2021 for the second time. The MK1K is a series of 1km races held across the morning with swimmers able to swim one, two or all three races.

Swimmers choosing the three race option will have their times added for each swim with the fastest in each gender being crowned MK1K Champions.

This is not just a swim for the ‘racers’ though. Each swim will have a cut-off time of approximately 50 minutes and all strokes are allowed (except for backstroke) allowing those wishing to take things at a more leisurely pace, to enjoy the surrounds of the beautiful Willen Lake as they make their way around the 1km course.

Timetable

Registration: 0745am - 815am (3 race & 2 race swimmers)
                       0945am - 1015am (1 race swimmers)
 
Provisional timings only.  Final registration timings will be confirmed closer to the event.

Race Briefing: In line with COVID-Safe protocols full race briefing will be provided online prior to the event and only changes, if any, will be communicated on the day. It is up to each swimmer to read the Race Briefing document prior to the event and come prepared accordingly.

Race 1: 0845am (all 3-lap and 2-lap swimmers)

Race 2: 0945am (all 3-lap and 2-lap swimmers)

Race 3: 1045am (all 3-lap and 1-lap swimmers)

Each race will have an approximate cut-off time of 50 minutes.

The event will start from a pontoon.  Swimmers will enter the water by stepping off the main pontoon onto a lower deck and slipping / safety jumping into the water.  Timing mats will be set up close to the entry points. Swimmers will cross the timing mat on the pontoon and enter the water 2-3 at a time from socially distanced entry points. Full details will be provided in your Race Briefing Pack sent two weeks prior to the event.

Entry Fees

1 x Race: £25.00 + booking fee

2 x Races: £40.00 + booking fee

3 x races: £50.00 + booking fee

* Entry fee does not include the cost of NOWCA membership. Any person swimming at a Love Open Water managed venue must be a current NOWCA member on the day of the event.

Closing Date

Entries will close on Wednesday 15th September (or earlier if sold out).

What’s Included

Fee includes race entry, swim cap, race timing and safety, hydration supplied by our partner Precision Hydration, swimmer snacks and a finishers medal.

Course

1-lap 1km course

Final course will be communicated at least two weeks prior to the event

Age Restrictions

Participants must be aged 12 years and over on the day of event.  Junior swimmers (aged 12-16 years) MUST use a tow float.

Junior swimmers MUST have experience swimming in an open water setting.

Refunds / Transfers

Refunds are not offered at the MK1K but should you no longer be able to attend, you can transfer your entry to another person. This is done directly via the race registration system. Please note that there is no fee for transferring an entry to another person however it is up to the person making the transfer to arrange any handover of money for the entry fee.

Transfers must be completed no later than Friday 1st October.

Experience

This event is suitable for all swimmers, even those with little open water swimming experience.

Whilst the more experienced swimmers may choose the three race option, and swim for the chance of being MK1K Carnival Champion, this is also a race suitable for the novice swimmer, stepping out of the pool for the first time.

Training

Train for the MK1K at the very lake where the event will take place! Love Open Water Milton Keynes operates open water swimming at Willen Lake. You can check session times HERE.

NOWCA Safety Wristband

All Love Open Water venues run under NOWCA safety systems and guidelines and therefore participants in the MK1K must be NOWCA members on the day of the event.  

If you are already a NOWCA member, you should check your membership is valid for the event (have an expiry date beyond the 3rd October, 2021)

If you are not currently a NOWCA member, you will need to register for membership and pay the annual fee by creating an account HERE.  Upon registering, you will be asked to select a NOWCA venue to collect your band.  If you wish to collect on the day, please choose Milton Keynes as your location.  You may also choose to collect your band from any NOWCA affiliated venue near you, prior to race day, and start using it to swim at any of the partner venues around the UK.

If you have held a NOWCA membership in the past but have let it lapse, please login to your account and make payment of the yearly fee to re-instate your membership. You will already have a NOWCA wristband which you will need to wear at the event.  If you have lost your band, you can collect a new one at any NOWCA affiliated venue for a nominal fee.

Wetsuits and Tow Floats

Wetsuits and tow floats are optional for this event (except for swimmers aged 12-16 years)

Swimmers aged between 12-16 must use a tow float.

There will be no separate categories for wetsuits vs skins. It is the swimmers choice.

Venue

Love Open Water began operating swim sessions at Wilen Lake in summer 2019 and the swimming community has been steadily increasing. Willen Lake South is Milton Keynes' most popular park and offers a picturesque location with great facilities for open water swimming lovers. The event will be run from the front of the Watersports Centre, with plenty of space for swimmers to rest between races and spectators to cheer on the participants from the banks of the lake.

Facilities

Access to facilities may change in line with COVID-Safe protocols in place at the time of the event.  As it stands, swimmers will have access to toilets and showers in the new Watersports centre at Willen Lake.

Food & Drink

There are a number of options for spectators and swimmers, right on the lake. Visit the Willen Lake website for further information