The first ever Great North Swim, created by the organisers of the Great North Run and jointly sponsored by Invest in Cumbria, was held in Lake Windermere in 2008. It attracted over 2500 competitors including Beijing Olympic Swimmers and this year’s event has over doubled in size with 5500 entrants, once again attracting national and international athletes. This world-class event highlights the County’s emergence as the hotspot for outdoor recreation and sports industry and showcases Cumbria to a worldwide audience.