The Dart 10k – 2024 Review

Simon Griffiths took on a swim he really should have done before

The first Dart 10k, originally organised by the Outdoor Swimming Society, took place before I launched Outdoor Swimmer magazine. Every year, I’ve told myself I must do this swim. It’s possibly the most famous mass-participation swimming event on the UK calendar. I’d heard it was scenic, fun and fast. In some years, spaces sell out within a few hours.

But somehow, it never happened. The dates clashed. Devon is too far from London (it isn’t really). Someone else from the magazine was taking part.

Anyway, 2024 was my year. We’ve been working with the new organisers, Level Water, so there was the offer of a reserved space. The Gribbin Swimrun in Cornwall was on that weekend too, so I could do two events while I was in the area, and my diary was free.

Put aside your doubts and fears

Like any river in the UK, the Dart has the potential for poor water quality. I know from social media and speaking with swimmers that pollution is a big concern. Level Water took this concern seriously, were open and honest about the risks and the factors that affect it, and sent us regular updates on water quality. It was all very reassuring and I felt in good hands.

Nevertheless, when you first see the river in Totnes, you may find those worries arising again. The Dart in Totnes is confined between artificial banks lined on one side with wharves and docks. The water can look dark and foreboding. Don’t panic. A very short distance into the swim, you will be away from the town and enjoying unspoilt countryside.

Excellent communications

The Dart 10k takes place over two days, and I was scheduled to swim on Sunday. We heard that the event went well on Saturday morning. However, heavy rain set in on Saturday afternoon. We all know that rain can cause sewers to overflow into rivers, so we were on high alert. The team at Level Water did a brilliant job with communications. We received regular text and email updates from the organiser warning that the event may have to be cancelled due to poor water quality. They were monitoring the overflows and potential pollution sources, and would make the final decision at 6:30 on Sunday morning. I set an alarm, went to bed and mostly failed to sleep.

Luckily the overnight rain was less than forecast. The storm overflows spilt for less than 10 minutes, which only created a small risk of raised bacteria levels, and much better than we feared. Otherwise, conditions were ideal for swimming. We received a final detailed update about Level Water’s assessment of the risks and set off for Totnes, slightly nervous but excited.

Cold start, warmer later

I did, I confess, have a close look at the water before I got in but didn’t see anything that caused alarm. It was flowing nicely and promised a fast swim. I soaked up the lively and excited atmosphere at registration (aided and abetted by a drumming band), listened to the final race briefing and got ready to swim.

It was surprisingly cold at the start, which is something to be aware of especially if you swim without a wetsuit. It took a good few minutes to get past the uncomfortable hands and face stage. But as I swam towards the middle of the river, I felt the current catch me. I was soon hurtling along much faster than I can swim in still water, and quickly forgot about the temperature.

The river quickly widened and became more rural. I settled into a comfortable rhythm and became aware how much I was enjoying the swim. I felt super safe with so many other swimmers and support kayakers around me, but I had plenty of space to do my own swim. The first 4km to the feed station flew by. And it was only when trying to stop for a snack that I fully appreciated the strength of the current. If you overshot, you’d struggle to swim back.

The middle section of the swim sweeps you through a series of bends in the river. I saw a couple of people trying to cut the corners but the kayakers steered them back to the right bank. Besides, the current is usually stronger on the outside of the bend, so cutting corners may not have been a good strategy anyway. The water also became noticeably warmer and, although I was trying not to get it in my mouth, it tasted briny. I felt the sea calling, and having refuelled at the feed station, was feeling strong.

The river was now wide and beautiful. I thought the light had an ethereal quality but it was possibly just my goggles misting up. The transformation from urban river to rural estuary in just a few miles is something to experience. However, the 3km to the second feed station seemed to take much longer than the 4km to the first and I was beginning to flag. I was just pondering asking a kayaker if I’d missed it when I spotted the flags and gratefully swam towards the floating platform for water and bananas.

The final stretch

After the feed station we were directed to the left bank. The river is at its widest here and I felt we lost some of the assistance from the current, but that may also have been fatigue. The water was now dotted with moored yachts, which I knew meant I was close to the end. As with almost any swim, the final part seemed to drag on much longer than expected. We were spread out now, so I felt I was swimming alone, which always triggers a worry that I’ve gone the wrong way. I knew a kayaker would have rescued me if I had gone wrong, so settled in to grind out the final kilometres and enjoy the scenery. Finally, I spotted two bright flags that marked the finish and I found a final surge of energy to sprint for home. But there was one more obstacle! On exiting the water, you need to traverse a lengthy pontoon to reach land and the timing mat. I tried to run but my legs were too wobbly, so I walked like most other people, and looked around one more time to savour the views. My first Dart 10k was completed. I hope it won’t be my last. It really was as special as I’d been told.

One final note. After finishing, you need to walk up a steep hill to collect your bag. Luckily, the climb is sweetened halfway as volunteers hand you hot chocolate in a metal mug, which is yours to keep as a souvenir. Once changed, make sure you head into the courtyard at Greenway House for food and coffee.

About Level Water

The Dart 10k is organised by Level Water as a fundraising event and in 2024 raised more than £250,000. Level Water’s mission is to give children with disabilities the opportunity to learn to swim.

Dart 10k tips

• If you can, book a full weekend in the area. Race day is long and it’s good to have extra time to relax and explore.
• The feed stations are well stocked but didn’t have energy gels. If you prefer gels to solid food while swimming, consider carrying some with you.
• Remember in rivers that the shortest route isn’t always the fastest. Think about where you will get most assistance from the current.
• Pay attention to the pre-race information and briefings and make sure you know where to park and where you need to be and when. The logistics are complicated but Level Water do a great job in making sure swimmers and bags are always where they need to be.

Find out more: https://www.levelwater.org/dart10k

I didn’t see this seal but I wish I had!