Guerlédan à la nage

About the race

Lake Guerlédan presents a freshwater environment where water temperatures in September typically hover between 17°C and 20°C, requiring swimmers to gauge their thermal threshold before the start. The lake is generally calm, though local wind patterns can create surface chop, particularly in the more open sections of the 5km course. Unlike coastal races, there are no tidal currents to navigate, allowing for a steady, rhythmic stroke throughout the distance. Athletes planning their season may note that this event serves as a distinct alternative to the earlier summer gathering held in the same basin, while those preferring a late-season challenge often look toward the September event for final endurance markers.

Historical landmarks on the horizon. As you navigate the course, the landscape tells a story of both endurance and human ambition. High above the water, the terrain is dominated by the Menez Hiez climb, a formidable ascent with 15% gradients that define local cycling lore as the 'Alpe d'Huez of Brittany.' Just as riders test their limits against these slopes, swimmers find their own pace beneath the watchful silhouette of the 13th-century Château de La Roche-Guéhennec. This stone fortress, which endured a violent siege in 1655, remains a stark reminder of the valley's defensive past. The shoreline is further marked by the Sainte-Suzanne Chapel, a 15th-century structure framed by ancient oaks that once captivated the painter Jean-Baptiste Corot. These landmarks provide vital sighting references, grounding your effort in a geography defined by long-standing human presence.

Race day logistics. Organized by the Club Nautique Pays de Loudéac, the event features a range of distances from the intense knock-out format to the endurance-focused 5km. The registration fees, ranging from 15 to 35 EUR, reflect the logistical support required to manage the safety protocols on this sprawling reservoir. While the lake's history includes the occasional submersion of 17th-century canal locks, these structures remain safely below the surface, hidden from the lane of travel. Similarly, tales of the cruel lord Gwengrézangor or the miraculous tomb of Saint Oliman add a layer of regional folklore to the area, though they serve only as backdrop to the physical demands of the competition. The event is hosted at the Base Départementale de Plein Air, providing a functional hub for the day's transitions and post-swim recovery.

Course

• 1 km — Knock-out format: consecutive rounds of 1000m, 500m, and 250m.
• 2 km — Standard open water course in Lake Guerlédan.
• 5 km — Standard open water course in Lake Guerlédan.

Entry fees

• 1 km — 15 € · Price for FFN/FINA/FFHANDI members; non-members/others pay 30 EUR.
• 2 km — 17 € · Price for FFN/FINA/FFHANDI members; non-members/others pay 32 EUR.
• 5 km — 20 € · Price for FFN/FINA/FFHANDI members; non-members/others pay 35 EUR.

Prices shown for FFN/FINA/FFHANDI members. Non-members and other federations pay a 15 EUR surcharge for a promo license. On-site registration is subject to a 5 EUR surcharge.

Awards

Event organized under FFN (French Swimming Federation) rules.

Previous editions

• 2024 · results

Organizer

Club Nautique Pays de Loudeac

Official site

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