The trend from Sweden originated like probably many crazy ideas with good friends over one too many beers ; -). A bet was made to get from one island to another island 75 km away - swimming and running. Two enthusiastic athletes heard about it and developed the SwimRun. An exciting new sport was born!
From the original idea of getting from island to island, the SwimRun World Championship was born. The Ö Till Ö endurance competition in Sweden. A SwimRun has been held off Stockholm every year since 2006. It involves crossing a large number of islands and overcoming long and short swimming sections. The total distance to be covered is 10 km swimming and 65 km running. Although the competition in Sweden is the original race and therefore very exciting for real fans, it is not the only one. SwimRun competitions are now held not only in Sweden, but also in other countries such as Germany.
What is a SwimRun?
SwimRun is a combination of open water swimming and cross-country running. Over a single distance, you constantly switch back and forth between the two disciplines of swimming and running. Unlike the triathlon or the Swim & Run, there are no transition zones and no changing clothes. The same clothing is worn from the beginning to the end of the race. In the SwimRun, the entire body is under constant strain. This is a completely different challenge to a triathlon, where at least the upper body can relax while cycling.
Who can take part in the SwimRun?
Anybody who enjoys running and swimming and likes to combine adventure, the outdoors and team sports. It is suitable for everyone, whether you are a swimmer, runner, triathlete, multi-sport, recreational or amateur athlete.
In pairs or alone?
Traditionally, the race is contested in pairs. The idea of teams came about due to the long distances in Sweden. As the entire route across the archipelago could not be equipped with security personnel, they tried to find another solution. The entire competition is therefore contested as a team, with your own security guard at your side, so to speak. The team can consist of any combination, whether man/man, woman/woman or mixed is not important. The nice thing is that you can support and motivate each other.
If you like, you can also use a pull line or lanyard to tie yourself to your partner during the competition. This allows you to save energy because your partner can pull you along in the water as well as on land. For example, the stronger partner can swim ahead and the weaker one swims behind in the slipstream. This is best tried out in training before it leads to problems in competition. However, there are also events that offer individual participation.
The course
There are no fixed distances in the SwimRun. The route is adapted to the natural conditions on site. Depending on the course and organizer, there is also a steward along the course.
Equipment
Since changing in a transition zone would take too much time, the run is run in a wetsuit, tri-suit or swimsuit, depending on the weather. However, SwimRun wetsuits are now also available. According to experienced participants, swimming with shoes is no problem at all. The sneakers don't get in the way and the shoes generate enough buoyancy in the water for the water position and power. Those who need additional buoyancy can also use so-called pull buoys. You can also use paddles.
SwimRun is a really exciting sport. Due to the often uncertain route of open water, running and cycling paths, forests and many ascents and descents, you never know exactly what to expect and often have to improvise. You also have to get used to running with little equipment. But one of the best things is probably the team spirit and the feeling of finally being able to cross the finish line together after competing together!
The SwimRun Urban Challenge makes a SwimRun competition possible in Germany. It is one of the first SwimRun organizers in Germany.
Image source: Christian Siedler
