As well as the thousands of swimmers of all shapes and sizes - and abilities - who will take part, the event also boasts elite men's and women's races, which in the past have featured a host of world-class stars such as British Olympic silver medalist Keri-Anne Payne and world 5k champion Thomas Lurz of Germany, who won the inaugural British Gas Great Salford Swim. 1980 Olympic Gold Medalist Duncan Goodhew will also be in the swim.
The Great Salford swim is part of the British Gas Great Swim Series, which currently also features swims in Windermere in the Lake District, Alton Water near Ipswich and the Royal Victoria Dock in London.
Colin Hill, head of Great Swim, said: "The inaugural swim in Salford proved an enormous hit with swimmers last year, partly because of the unique nature of the course, which took in two different docks as well as the canal that links them. The swim is being staged on the same day as the run and the atmosphere around Manchester and Salford will be amazing. It's also going to be incredible to see our Olympic hopefuls swimming on live television alongside world class running events."
For more details and on-line entry visit www.greatswim.org
Other confirmed events in the 2011 British Gas Great Swim Series are:
- British Gas Great East Swim, Alton Water near Ipswich - Saturday 11 June 2011
- British Gas Great North Swim, Windermere - Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17-19 June
- British Gas Great London Swim, Royal Victoria Dock - Saturday 2 July 2011
- A date has yet to be finalized for the British Gas Great Scottish Swim
