Janna Completes the Chillswim Windermere End to End – 11 Miles Without a Wetsuit
Every now and then, a challenge comes along that goes beyond the ordinary — something that tests not just physical endurance, but also mental resilience, determination, and sheer willpower. This weekend, Janna achieved exactly that by completing the Chillswim Windermere End to End.
Covering 11 miles of open water in England’s largest lake, and taking just over seven hours of continuous swimming, Janna’s effort was nothing short of extraordinary. To make it even more remarkable, she tackled the entire challenge without a wetsuit.
A True Test of Endurance
Windermere is famed for its beauty, but for swimmers, it is also known for its ever-changing conditions. The water is cool, the distance relentless, and the mental challenge of staying focused mile after mile is immense. To cover the entire length of the lake is considered one of the toughest open water swims in the UK.
For Janna, this was not just about the distance — it was about testing herself against one of the ultimate challenges in endurance swimming. Seven hours in the water requires stamina, technique, and grit in equal measure, and she demonstrated all three in abundance.
Without a Wetsuit
Most swimmers tackling long-distance events like this rely on a wetsuit for buoyancy and warmth. Janna, however, went skins — meaning just a standard swimsuit, cap, and goggles.
This choice adds another layer of difficulty: the cold water gradually saps energy, and without the extra support of neoprene, every stroke demands more effort. To complete the full 11 miles this way is a feat very few attempt, let alone finish.
Support and Celebration
Although Janna might be too modest to make a fuss herself, the whole Carn Runners community is immensely proud of her. Achievements like this remind us of the variety of challenges our members take on — from road races and trail runs to open water swims and triathlons.
Laura, who was in the Lakes for her own parkrun tourism, was among those on hand to cheer Janna through this massive undertaking. Support like that makes all the difference during such gruelling efforts, and it was fantastic to see clubmates encouraging one another in such unique circumstances.
More Than Just a Swim
To put Janna’s achievement into perspective, the distance is equivalent to swimming almost 18,000 metres in a pool without stopping. But while a pool offers calm water, lanes, and a controlled environment, Windermere offers waves, wind, and the constant mental challenge of open water.
This wasn’t just about covering miles — it was about facing down one of the UK’s most iconic swims and coming out victorious.
A massive congratulations to Janna for completing the Chillswim Windermere End to End. Eleven miles, seven hours, and no wetsuit — an achievement that deserves the highest recognition.
She might not see this post straight away, but once she’s home, let’s all make sure to congratulate her on this truly epic accomplishment. 🥳🥳
