The Dart10k

South Devon, 4 & 5 July 2026

Join us for an epic journey, in the spectacular scenery of the River Dart

Register your interest to swim Dart 10k 2027:

This iconic event sold out in record time in 2026. Register your interest to be the first to hear about 2027

2026 Event Information

Everything you need to know to plan your day for the Dart 10k is on our event information page

Dart10k Event info

The Epic Dart10k

The Dart10k is the first and finest marathon-distance outdoor swim in the UK. For the last 16 years, the event has provided a classic big-swim challenge along one of the UK’s most beautiful swimming journeys. The Dart10k has a community atmosphere like no other, capturing the essence and ethos of the wild swimming community. With no roads or footpaths to disturb the peace, the beauty of the River Dart can only properly be experienced from the water. Swimmers come from all over the UK and all over the world to tick it off their bucket list.

The Dart10k follows the classic route down the River Dart from Totnes, punctuated by iconic landmarks such as the Cormorant Tree, the white rock, Sharpham boathouse and Bow Creek. 10k later, you’ll be greeted by cheers, hugs and hot chocolate as you settle into a deckchair for a well-earned rest at Greenway, National Trust.

Swim Difficulty

The Dart10k requires you to have experience of swimming longer distances outdoors. It’s swimming's equivalent of running the London Marathon, which means a good fitness level is required. During your preparation, please make sure you swim outdoors in different weather conditions, including in strong winds and chop.

To be sure you’re in great shape for the event, we’ve partnered with Catch to develop custom training plans for our swimmers in 2026.

Learn more

Water Quality

The water quality in Totnes (the swim start) is consistently rated "Poor: advice against bathing" by the Environment Agency. Median readings for Enterococci and E.Coli are 2-4x the "Sufficient" standard, and this may result in an elevated risk of illness. Thousands of committed outdoor swimmers still wish to take on this classic route, and we run the swim on the basis of personal responsibility. We intend to run the swim if water quality in Totnes is in the expected range, but may cancel if there are strong indications that it is unusually poor.

Swim Safety

We take our swim safety very seriously, and will have the following measures and support in place to give you peace of mind when taking part:

There will be a main briefing at the start for all swimmers about 45 minutes before entering the water
15 minutes prior to the main briefing there will be a briefing for swimmers with disabilities or swimmers who require extra help
There are paramedics on hand at all times and qualified lifeguards with medical training
Our Water Safety Team will be on the water and in sight throughout the event including staff on kayaks, boats and jet skis. They are local and have years of experience on this river.
If you require assistance, our lifeguards are all first aid trained, qualified and experienced. They can help you take a rest, give you a little encouragement, jump you forward a bit, or bring you to the finish for medical assistance.
A warm up tent is available if you need it.

Testimonials

“The atmosphere could best be described as Giddy. I know I was. I was completely overjoyed at finishing, knowing that I had finally made it and to be surrounded by so many other people all in the same slightly light headed, but totally ebullient mood was fantastic.”

“Swimming is so often a very lonely, singular sport and experience, so to be able to share such a wonderful experience and achievement with kindred spirits was something very special indeed.”

“Honestly, everything about the whole experience was top class!! loved every minute of it. The atmosphere was brilliant throughout, such a mixture of people from all walks of life and of all swimming abilities.”

“If you are a swimmer the one thing you know or have experienced is “the moment.” “The moment” when they are no longer afraid of the water and instead experience the complete freedom and thrill of relaxation. Swimming, water, allows ANYONE to have that moment and I was excited to help Level Water achieve that.”

What’s included with your ticket:

timing chip
swim hat
a beautiful enamel Dart10k mug and finisher’s hot chocolate to warm you up after the swim
baggage storage and transport
travel to / from the finish
world-class lifeguard and medical cover
food stations at 4km and 7km
personalised accessibility support (a swim that welcomes everyone)
numerous wonderful food vans
our festival-like event village
optional merchandise (t-shirt / jumper)
access to the full training plan from Catch

Why swim for Level Water?

The Dart10k will sell out, so a charity ticket is the best way to guarantee your entry. You’ll also be funding adapted swimming lessons for disabled children. Level Water provides 70,000 adapted swimming lessons every year, and we couldn’t do it without the support of people like you.

What you get with a Level Water fundraising ticket:

- Guarantee your place before the rush for general tickets

- Save 50-70% on your ticket price

- Help thousands of disabled children learn a life-saving skill in 2026

- Year-round fundraising support - from personalised messages to video case studies, we’ll give you everything you need to reach your target

An unbelievable set of rewards and thank-you gifts from our sponsors. In 2026 they’re helping us give away:

- A £3,000 SwimTrek holiday

- 40 glamping weekends on the Bantham Estate (money-can’t buy … this is the only way you can camp on the Estate, year-round!)

- £20,000 of matched funding

- 100 pairs of Vivobarefoot shoes

- Two RED Paddleboards

- Six Zone3 wetsuits