Athlete dies attempting Arch to Arc Channel Swim

Very sad news to be reporting from the Arch to Arc Challenge as a British athletes dies after falling ill during the Channel swim.
Arch to Arc
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sad news from an iconic triathlon challenge

Horrible news to be reporting today, via the KentLive website: British endurance athlete Douglas Waymark has died attempting the Arch to Arc Challenge. After becoming unwell during the Channel swim late on Monday evening, he was airlifted to the William Harvey Hospital in Kent and later died.

Doug was a very experienced ultra-endurance athlete, completing many iron-distance events including IRONMAN UK, IRONMAN Wales and The Outlaw. Two years ago he completed the ‘continuous quintuple’ iron-distance at the Enduroman Festival. He has also climbed Everest and many of the world’s highest peaks.

The Arch to Arc Challenge was initiated in 2001 when Edger Ette completed the challenge in 81 hours and 5 minutes. The event comprises of the 87 mile run from Marble Arch to Dover, the Channel swim to the French coast and then the 181 mile cycle from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. More details on the event can be found HERE.

Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and club mates of Douglas at this devastating news.

Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.

Vincent Luis on the ‘why’ behind his remarkable career: ‘I wanted to do something with my life’

Marten Van Riel’s honest Kona reflection: ‘I felt embarrassed’ – but now proud to finish

Magnus Ditlev on Kona heartbreak: ‘The lights suddenly went out’

Kat Matthews’ on viral Kona moment with Paula Findlay: ‘It hurts my heart a little bit’

Solveig Løvseth reassures fans after Kona collapse: ‘I’m doing okay’

Gustav Iden’s emotional Kona tribute: ‘I’m happy I could deliver a podium in her memory’

Taylor Knibb fulfils childhood Kona dream by learning to let go: ‘The island will always win’

IRONMAN World Championship 2026: Women’s full finishing order and Pro Series standings

Vincent Luis on the ‘why’ behind his remarkable career: ‘I wanted to do something with my life’

Marten Van Riel’s honest Kona reflection: ‘I felt embarrassed’ – but now proud to finish

Magnus Ditlev on Kona heartbreak: ‘The lights suddenly went out’

Kat Matthews’ on viral Kona moment with Paula Findlay: ‘It hurts my heart a little bit’

Solveig Løvseth reassures fans after Kona collapse: ‘I’m doing okay’

Gustav Iden’s emotional Kona tribute: ‘I’m happy I could deliver a podium in her memory’

Taylor Knibb fulfils childhood Kona dream by learning to let go: ‘The island will always win’

IRONMAN World Championship 2026: Women’s full finishing order and Pro Series standings

Share to...