Kettering park's World Puddle Jumping Championships to go virtual

This year's World Puddle Jumping Championships organised by Wicksteed Park will take place virtually because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Competitors would normally travel to the Kettering park and splash around in a bid to catch the eye of the judges and take home the crown.

But with restrictions on gatherings and travel because of the coronavirus crisis, those taking part in the run up to and during the October half-term holidays are instead being asked to submit videos of themselves jumping in puddles they have made or found. They are also invited to use any naturally-formed puddles they find while walking around the park off Barton Road.

Those taking part in the championships can submit their video entries by posting them onto the Wicksteed Park Facebook page, on their own Facebook page tagging in the park or by emailing them to [email protected] before Monday, November 2

Judges will be giving scores based on things such as the height of the jump, enthusiasm, distance of splash and stickability - the amount of mud which clings to each competitor.

Wicksteed Park's head of sales and marketing Rachel James said: “The World Puddle Jumping Championships is a great way to encourage people, and especially children, to get out into the fresh air and have some fun.

“Hundreds of children, and some adults, take part but it would be impossible to run in the normal way this year.

“However, we are determined that Covid-19 restrictions won’t ruin the fun and are asking people to find their own puddles to jump in, whether that is in their own garden, while out for a walk with their families, or visiting the park in a socially-distanced manner.”

Prize winners will be announced on the Wicksteed Park Facebook page during the first week of November.

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