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Dee Mile
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Dee Mile 2023
Date Saturday 12th August 2023, 5:30pm
Location The Meadows, Chester
Entry Limit 650
Distance Dee Mile Full (2km) Wetsuit + Non Wetsuit
Dee Mile Half (1.2km downstream swim)  Wetsuit
Entry Fee Dee Mile Full – Age 16 & over  £28
Dee Mile Half – Age 16 & over  £19
Dee Mile Half – Junior – Age 12 – 15  £10
USP One of the oldest river races in the UK, 100 years old in 2022
Contact deemile@nullchestertri.org.uk
Celebrating 100 years of the Dee Mile

This is a classical race of the modern era, with a history which is very nearly continuous, going back to the first time it was held 1922. The race has several idiosyncrasies. It starts at the Red House pub (which is actually white) and the distance is actually a mile and a quarter. You swim downstream around the Crook of the Dee to finish at the suspension bridge. Being all downstream, the course times vary considerably depending on the seasonal flow with the winning men’s time varying from 19 minutes 48 seconds to 33 minutes 25 seconds.

Water temperatures are typically 14 to 16 deg.C. The swim is with the current. In 2010, the temperature was 20 deg.C.

The race retains its ancient “Dee Mile Champion” title for the fastest swimmer, who must also live within five miles of “The Cross” in the centre of Chester and swim without a wetsuit.

Recognition is also made for:

  • The fastest all-comer (i.e. the rest who don’t wear a wetsuit).
  • The fastest wetsuit wearer.

Today, both men and women are eligible to race: a “concession” first made in 1969 and then made for the full distance in 1993!

Since the Deva Triathlons started using the River Dee in 2001, the Dee Mile has become a favourite for triathletes wanting to get a taste for open water.

Refund Policy

Refunds
Dee Mile refund policy is 50% refund of your entry fee until the cut off date of 25th July. The online entry system will allow competitors to self manage their entries regarding cancellations.

Transfers
The online entry system will allow free transfers up until the cut off date of 25th July. Competitors will be able to self manage their transfers using the online entry system.

Reserve list
The online entry system will hold a reserve list once entries are full. As cancellations are made the online entry system will email the next person on the reserve list giving them the opportunity to take the available place.

Volunteers

All our events reply on volunteers to enable them to run smoothly and to be the best possible experience for the athletes.  If you can help out with this event, please signup via the button below.

Dee Mile Champions - course holders

Men: D. Craigen 2012 – 19:48
Women: R. Radcliffe 1997 – 23:57

Video Highlights