swimrunning in a nutshell
Swimrunning is an endurance sport you do in a team of two. It can be a team (or category) consisting of: two men, two women or mixed (i.e. one man and one woman). Everybody starts at the same time and the goal is to swim and run a marked course from point A to point B where you have to finish as a team of two. The marked course will cross sections of land / islands, sea and / or lakes. Single day event course distances can range anywhere between 10km (called sprint) to over 45km’s (called long). Run sections can range anywhere between 10 meters to 21kms and swim sections can range anywhere between 10meters to 3kms. Today there are over 200 swimrun races around the world where ÖtillÖ swimrun world championships (Sweden) is probably the most famous one. There are also a few multistage swimrun events that last longer than one day (e.g. SAUC). During a race you have to stay together at all times and cannot be more than 10m apart. Also, whatever you take with you at the start of the race you have to bring across the finish line. Trashing along the course is absolutely forbidden and for your own safety no (head first) diving into the water is permitted. The maximum single piece of equipment cannot be larger than 100cm by 60cm. So don’t try to carry a surfboard on your back…. At all times you must wear a wetsuit that is suitable for water temperatures ranging between 10 – 15 deg Celcius. The organisation will provide you with the following gear: swimcap, race vest, timing chip and course map. The other mandatory equipment you must wear are a watertight packed band aid, two whistles to attract attention (i.e. one each), compass or watch with GPS. Besides a wetsuit you should wear proper trail running shoes that are quick draining and provide good grip in varied terrain (i.e. rocks, gravel, mud). Recommended but not mandatory are the use of: swim goggles, hand paddles, swim gloves, neoprene hat, pull buoy other floatation devices, pulling rope. Along the course there will be energy stations where you can drink and take onboard food (such as gells or soup). You are allowed to take your own food and drinks with you as well. There are cut off points along the course. If you don’t make them in time you will not be allowed to continue the race. In case you decide to stop always make sure you inform the organisation to prevent a rescue operation. Before every race there is a mandatory race briefing where you will be informed about last minute changes to the course, race conditions (i.e. water / air temperature, sea state) and race rules. Other things normally provided by the organisation are: local transport to and from the finish line, finisher medal, t-shirt, changing and shower facilities, post race food and drinks, prize ceremony for the winners in each category.
So, don’t think!…..just get the minimum equipment, start training and sign up for your first ever swimrun race.
See you out there!
Thomas
