Race preview: ÖtillÖ hosts first UK race in the Scilly Isles this weekend

Swimrun has definitely crossed the waters from Sweden to become the new multisport craze – and this weekend sees founding brand ÖtillÖ (Swedish for ‘island to island’) host its new UK qualifier in the Scilly Isles.

In total 240 athletes will compete in teams of two for spots in the world championship race on 5th September, 2016. Competition is sure to be fierce, however to finish athletes must cross a total distance comprising 30km of running and 7.5km of swimming. The course starts in St. Mary’s and also visits Tresco, St. Martin’s and Bryher as competitors swim between islands then run across them, taking in beautiful and varied scenery along the way.

The race has attracted athletes from 15 countries including the current women’s ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Champion, Annika Ericsson from Sweden. Also competing (in seperate teams) is some serious UK swim talent – seven-time world champion triathlete Richard Stannard (aka ‘the Fish’) and Swim Smooth founder and head coach Paul Newsome.

Live tracking is available for the race on Saturday, follow the link here. Plus click here to find out more about other ÖtillÖ qualifying races.

Issue 327 of 220 Triathlon includes a complete guide to swimrun kit for would-be swimrunners. Click here to subscribe.

See an image gallery from the 2015 world championship race here.

Helen Webster Editor, 220 Triathlon

About

Helen has been 220's Editor since July 2013, when she made the switch from marathons to multisport. She's usually found open-water swimming and has competed in several swimruns as well as the ÖtillÖ World Series. Helen is a qualified Level 2 Open-Water Swim Coach focusing on open-water confidence and runs regular workshops at the South West Maritime Academy near Bristol. She is also an RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard trainer/assessor.