Welsh Firefighter Fitness Challenge 2025

On Saturday, 7^th  June, Firefighters from across the UK gathered in Swansea Marina to take part in the Welsh Firefighter Fitness Challenge, which is part of the British Firefighter Challenge series.

Organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), the Welsh Firefighter Fitness Challenge helps to raise important funds for the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports the mental wellbeing and physical health of all serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family.

The event, which sold out in a record time of 21 minutes, took part, for the third year, at the Dylan Thomas Square, Swansea Marina. The square was once again filled with spectators from start to finish throughout the entire day.

Each contestant was dressed in full structural firefighting kit where they took part in a series of physical challenges designed to test strength, agility, and stamina. There were a total of eight challenges to complete. This consisted of a 50m run, 50m hose carry, Road Traffic Collision (RTC) equipment carry and lift, hammer force, another 50m hose run, hose roll, container carry and finally the dummy drag. The fastest competitor to complete all eight challenges, won the race.

Alongside the firefighter fitness challenges, MAWWFRS hosted a ‘Community Safety Village’ where members of the public were able to access free safety advice and information from our Community Safety Team as well as from a variety of partnership organisations. Some of those that joined us on the day were: South Wales Police, Go Safe, Guide Dogs Cymru, Specsavers Mumbles, Wales and West Utilities, Sadie’s Butterflies, British Red Cross Swansea Bay University Health Board.

We would like to give a big thank you to all that got involved with the event. Especially to the organisers; Dominic Norcross, Luke Fisher, Tim Frost and their whole team, along with Roshnara Ali for co-ordinating the Community Safety Village. We would also like to give a special shout out to the MAWWFRS Fire Cadets who worked tirelessly throughout the day, re-setting the course after each round. The spectators who attended on the day, made the event a roaring success. The constant cheers and enthusiasm motivated all those taking part, creating an amazing atmosphere for all.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said:

The whole day was a huge success, and we look forward to next year’s event!