More than 70 brave swimmers took to the freezing waters of Hyde Park’s Serpentine lake for a bracing festive tradition on Christmas morning.
The annual Peter Pan Cup, which has run every December 25 since 1864, sees bold outdoor swimming enthusiasts from the Serpentine Swimming Club dive into the chilly lido to see who can be first to swim 100 metres.
Brian Thomas, the club’s honorary secretary, told the BBC there had been a “huge growth in numbers over the past five years”.
“Swimming in a wetsuit is cheating," he added.
More than 70 brave swimmers took to the freezing waters of Hyde Park’s Serpentine lake for a bracing festive tradition on Christmas morning.
Chilly: A swimmer takes to the Serpentine lido for the Serpentine Swimming Club's annual 100m heatAndrew Winning/ReutersThe annual Peter Pan Cup, which has run every December 25 since 1864, sees bold outdoor swimming enthusiasts from the Serpentine Swimming Club dive into the chilly lido to see who can be first to swim 100 metres.
Brian Thomas, the club’s honorary secretary, told the BBC there had been a “huge growth in numbers over the past five years”.
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“Swimming in a wetsuit is cheating," he added.
The 2015 race was won by club member Wimbledon swimmer Paddy Boyce, 42, who beat 76 others to take the cup,
A club spokesman said: “Special thanks to the generosity of the Greenbury family who donated the trophy today and for their kindness over the years through their continued association with the Christmas Day race.
“Swimming breaststroke, Paddy moved from second to first at the 50-metre mark when he overtook Ron Whittam.
“Paddy held on to win ahead of Leanne Harling and the slimline Stuart Bowman who took third place.
“Thanks to the many helpers who made the day and of course to Santa herself, whose identity naturally remains a secret.”