Ice Mile - 3 February 2018
The Ice Mile is part of the story, but the distance is short, only one mile. The challenge is the cold. The water must be below 5 degrees Celsius An Ice Mile was one last adventure, a chance to see whether I could still push myself to my limits.
Facts & Background
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 kilometres)
Governing body: International Ice Swimming Association
Cost: Event-based entry fee
An Ice Mile is defined as a one-mile swim in water below 5 degrees, completed without thermal protection. The Ice Mile is a test of cold tolerance rather than distance. Strict safety protocols are followed, including medical oversight.
The swim was formalised in the early 2010s. By the end of 2017, just over 300 official Ice Miles had been completed worldwide. By the mid-2020s, the number exceeded 600, though it is still one of the most extreme challenges in open water swimming.
Photographs from the Day
The swimmer only allowed a standard costume, a thin cap and goggles. Wetsuit and neoprene aren’t allowed. At that temperature, it becomes a race to get to the finish before the cold gets to you.
Organiser's Film of the Swim
