Search
shop

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.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -

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.

John Levison
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.
Discover more
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Paris 2024 Olympic mens triathlon Hayden Wilde run
WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
Alex Yee Cassandre Beaugrand gold medals supertri Boston photo credit supertri
Olympic triathlon champion smashes national 5km running record thanks to SENSATIONAL finish
Jelle Geens IRONMAN
IRONMAN 70.3 World Champ heads to Geelong to kickstart 2025 season before T100 focus
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Yo Yo Yo – Sam Long sets out his BIGGEST goal for 2025 and puts mood over training metrics
Lakesman Triathlon swim Derwentwater
British race is voted the Best Triathlon in the World
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...