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Training advice & event day tips for marathon-distance river swimming.
The Dart10k is one of the most iconic open water swims in the UK. If you’ve ever thought about a true bucket-list swim, this is it.
This guide gives you a clear, honest overview of what the Dart10k is really like, who it’s best suited to, & how to prepare for this legendary challenge.
By Rebecca Wetten, Co-Founder & Head Coach at Catch
Organised by Level Water, the Dart10k is the UK’s original marathon-distance outdoor swim. For nearly two decades, swimmers have travelled from across the UK & beyond to take on this unforgettable 10km journey down the River Dart.
You start in Totnes & finish at Greenway, following a stunning, uninterrupted stretch of river that can only truly be experienced from the water. There are no roads, no footpaths, & very few distractions beyond the landscape itself.
A proper marathon swim
This is swimming’s equivalent of the London Marathon. It’s a big, serious distance that requires preparation & patience.
It's a journey
You swim past iconic landmarks like the Cormorant Tree, Sharpham Boathouse & Bow Creek, with the scenery unfolding as you go.
Wild, immersive & beautiful
The Dart is peaceful, dramatic & constantly changing. Long sections feel completely wild & remote.
Joyful community atmosphere
The finish village is full of cheers, hugs, hot chocolate & deckchairs. There’s a shared sense of achievement & joy at the village that’s hard to beat.
Not about racing
While some swimmers move fast, this event is about completion, resilience & experience rather than competition.
The Dart10k stands apart from most open water events.
This isn’t a calm, sheltered loop or a tide-assisted river cruise. Conditions can vary year to year depending on wind, weather & tide size. Some years offer more assistance, others very little. The safest mindset is to arrive fully prepared to swim the entire 10km under your own steam, then treat any tidal help as a bonus.
Water quality at the start in Totnes is known to be variable, & swimmers take part on the basis of informed personal responsibility. Despite this, thousands of committed swimmers choose to swim the event for its challenge & atmosphere.
This event is best suited to swimmers who:
- Have experience swimming longer distances outdoors
- Are comfortable swimming in wind, chop & changing conditions
- Can swim a mile in under 40 minutes at a steady pace
- Are prepared to train consistently over many months
If you’re unsure, it’s absolutely fine to build up via shorter outdoor events first & come back to the Dart10k another year. Many swimmers do.
Train for endurance, not speed
Long, steady swims matter more than fast intervals. Time in the water builds resilience.
Swim outdoors in mixed conditions
Practise in wind, chop & cooler temperatures so nothing feels unfamiliar on the day.
Dial in efficiency early
Small technique improvements can save huge amounts of energy over 10km.
Practise feeding
There are on-water feed stations, but you still need to know what works for your stomach.
Sensible pacing
Going out too hard is the most common mistake. Calm, controlled effort wins here.
Plan logistics early
Accommodation, traffic & parking can be tight. Booking early & making the most of shuttle buses is often the least stressful option.
- Timing chip & swim hat
- Enamel Dart10k mug & finisher’s hot chocolate
- Bag transport & shuttle travel
- World-class lifeguard & medical cover
- Feed stations on the course
- Personalised accessibility support
- Festival-style finish village with food & music
The Dart10k is a brilliant choice if you:
- Want a true marathon-distance swim
- Love wild, immersive environments
- Prefer long, steady challenges to short races
- Are happy training patiently over months or years
- Want to tick off one of the UK’s most iconic swims
It’s less suitable if you’re new to outdoor swimming or looking for a low-commitment event.
The Dart10k is special. It’s demanding, emotional & deeply satisfying in a way few swims are. The atmosphere at the finish - exhausted, euphoric, wrapped in towels with hot chocolate in hand - is something you don’t forget.
If you respect the distance, train properly & arrive ready for whatever the river gives you, it’s an unforgettable experience.
If the Dart10k is calling your name, we can help you build the confidence, fitness & efficiency needed to enjoy every kilometre of this iconic river swim.
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