The swimrun is a different type of marathon that relies on teamwork.
Ask any athlete, and they will tell you that the world of competitive sports is always coming up with new and innovative ways to get your blood pumping.
As a triathlete and avid marathoner, I am always looking for interesting ways to test my abilities. Recently I’ve become really interested in the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun, a race that began in 2011, which involves a team of two, travelling over a distance together.
It all began in 2011 with a drunken bet between friends, who planned to race by running and swimming between islands in the Stockholm archipelago in Sweden. The last person to finish was supposed to buy drinks at the destination point, but soon discovered that the race was so taxing, they didn’t have the energy. The idea became more popular, and has since become a marathon that involves swimming and running between islands. It is recognized by CNN as one of the toughest races in the world.
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ÖTILLÖ Swimrun has expanded to many different locations and races, with varying levels of difficulty. What I like most about the idea is the emphasis on connecting with nature. With typical triathlons and marathons, endurance and speed are valuable assets and the emphasis is on finishing. The ÖTILLÖ Swimrun involves other aspects, and the goal is to connect with both you team, and nature.
So if you are looking for a way to test your limits, or want to try something different from a typical marathon-style race, maybe I will see you at the next swimrun?
Find out more information HERE.