Are you looking for a new and fun challenging sport? Then that could just be Swimrun. Originated from a drunken bet between four friends in Sweden. Swimrun is a sport that is increasing in popularity. It is an intensive and multidisciplinary sport in which you alternate swimming and running relatively quickly. Because swimming and running are quickly alternated, it is important that you wear clothing that you can both run and swim in.
Swimrun is a fun and challenging sport that is very similar to triathlon, but is slightly different. With Swimrun you alternate swimming and running quite quickly. While a triathlon also has a cycling component, cycling is not available at Swimruns.
The original version of Swimrun originated in Sweden and consists of a route of several islands. The goal was to get from point A to B as quickly as possible, without a fixed route or pre-planned course.
It is a team sport that you always do with two people. You go from island to island while swimming and running. It has been decided to always do Swimruns with a partner, for safety reasons because there is not always someone around to help you. You are then attached to each other with an elastic.
Although Swimruns and swimming runs both consist of swimming and running, they are slightly different. With Swimruns you switch between swimming and running several times and with a swim run you only switch from swimming to running once.
Because Swimrun consists of two different disciplines, it is important to use the right equipment. You are alternately in the water and then back on land. The following equipment can make your Swimruns a lot more enjoyable and easier:
These suits specially developed for Swimrun are suitable for open water and on land. A triathlon wetsuit is not suitable for Swimruns because they have a different neoprene composition. The Swimrun wetsuits are equipped with a special flexible neoprene so that you can both run and swim in them. In addition, the Swimrun suit also keeps you warmer in colder water.
Another important difference is that a swimrun suit often has short sleeves. There are also suits with long sleeves, which you can cut off if desired and use when the water is colder. In addition, the zipper is at the front so you can easily open it while running and these suits fit slightly less tightly so that you have more freedom of movement.
The swimrun suits also have short legs, which ensures that you can run more comfortably and easily. Long legs will pinch the backs of your knees.
The composition of the panels is also different from a triathlon wetsuit. For example, a swimrun suit has open cell neoprene between the legs and on the butt. This ensures that you have little friction, as smoothskin neoprene will rub in those places.
In addition, all suits have pockets on the inside or outside where you can store small items. Like your energy bars and your phone.
Swimrun shoes must be worn for the entire race, both swimming and running. That is why it is important to go for special Swimrun shoes. They must be lightweight, have excellent grip and be able to drain water quickly. Lightweight running shoes are also regularly used.
Because you are constantly outside and in open water, having good swimming goggles during the Swimrun is not an unnecessary luxury. Swimming goggles with colored glass ensure that you have good visibility while swimming and that your eyes are protected against harmful UV radiation. If you are curious about what you should pay attention to when choosing your swimming goggles, read our blog about how to choose the best swimming goggles.
A pull bouy helps you while swimming. You attach this aid between your thighs, which gives you better buoyancy. By using a pull buoy you no longer suffer from sinking legs, because you are also wearing your running shoes that provide extra weight. The pull buoy ensures that you have a better position in the water, so you lie higher in the water, you have less resistance and you can swim faster. Because you don't have to strain your legs as much, you can put this energy to good use while running.
We have special pull buoys for swim runs. You also have to take this with you when running and then you don't want to have to hold it all the time. The special swimrun pull buoys have an elastic band that allows you to attach them to your thigh. When you go swimming you easily turn it between your legs and when you go running you turn the pull buoy outwards again. This way it never gets in the way.
Because Swimrun is a competition where you go from island to island, there will be few or no places with first aid posts or emergency services. That is why a Swimrun team always consists of two people and you are never allowed to be more than 10 meters apart.
That is why there are several items that are mandatory such as:
Although this is often offered by the organization, you can often also opt for your own swimming cap. Or choose one together with your Swimrun partner. A swimming cap ensures that you are more streamlined. While running, it is recommended to take off the swimming cap, so that you can better dissipate heat through your head.
Many Swimrunners use hand paddles. These aids can ensure that you can exert more force and swim faster. It is also a frequently used tool for training your arms and shoulders and perfecting your technique.
The tow line, also called the Swimrun Tether or pull cord, is one of the safety measures that applies to Swimruns. This cord ensures that you stay connected to your partner and also helps each other progress in the competition. The rule is that you are not allowed to be further than 10m from your partner.
Swimrun is still a relatively young sport, the sport originated in 2002 in Utö, Sweden. There were four gentlemen, Anders Malm, Janne Lindberg and the Andersson brothers, enjoying a beer (perhaps quite a few beers). After a few beers they wondered how long it would take to get from Sandhamn to Utö, without boat, car, plane, etc.
That put the bet on the table. The team that reached the hotel in Sandhamn last had to pay for the hotel, dinner and drinks. No sooner said than done. The next morning the men started the competition with the only rule that they had to visit three different restaurants from start to finish. Finally, after 24 hours, they reached the finish but when they reached the finish they were too tired to celebrate.
Ö-till-ö (from island to island in Swedish) was then born. The route was then adapted so that one can complete this route within 1 day. Every year more and more people try to conquer this iconic route.
Would you like to buy swimrun equipment? But are you still not sure which suit and accessories best suit your wishes and needs? We will be happy to help you with all your questions to make the perfect choice. You can reach our swimrun specialists via +31(0)413-256800 or send an email. You can also visit our store in Volkel Netherlands.
