This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Add your reviewWant to see all previous and future editions of this event, find them below.
Great East SwimRun
Alton Water, nr Ipswich, Suffolk
School Barn, Holbrook Rd, Stutton, Ipswich IP9 2RY, UKSat 19th June 2021
Starting at 10:30
1 race
£74.00
COVID-19 INFORMATION
The event will follow strict covid-secure procedures, ensuring the safety of participants, spectators and Great Swim crew. As such we will be operating to a reduced capacity and a slightly different timetable to previous years. It will be a fantastic day out in a truly stunning setting. The event will see the return of the popular event village, complete with farmers’ market, exhibitor stands, pop-up food stalls and music.
Organiser's Description
Since its inception in 2006, SwimRun has become a popular choice around the World for endurance athletes and is now the fastest growing endurance sport in the UK. The concept was born in Sweden, following a drunken bet among friends as to who could better navigate 20 islands and 75k of the Stockholm archipelago.
Runners and swimmers from across the UK, and triathletes seeking a change from the traditional triathlon format will enjoy stepping up to a new challenge. Embarking on a seamless journey across the landscape, taking on land and water, as you navigate your way around the course as either an individual participant or in teams of two.
This outdoor running and swimming challenge is the new benchmark in adventure races. Not just for endurance athletes, the most important things you need are a sense of adventure, some determination and a lot of fun!
What's Included
Event day race bib
SwimRun medal
Swim cap
Finisher goodies
Timing chip (one per individual)
Plus more!
Location
Alton Water:
The Great East SwimRun takes place in and around the picturesque Alton Water reservoir near Ipswich, Suffolk. The reservoir provides the main source of drinking water for Ipswich and the southern part of Suffolk.
Alton Water offers the opportunity to do far more than swim – it’s the perfect location for walks, cycle rides, wildlife spotting and family picnics. With miles of unspoilt countryside, numerous award winning beaches and scores of enchanting towns and villages within reach of Alton Water, Suffolk makes an ideal choice for a short break. Only an hour’s train journey away from London Liverpool Street station.
Course Details
The event starts and finishes at the main Great East Swim event site and the 4 swim courses in Alton Water include the start and finish sections of the Great Swims.
Run 1: Quick and flat through grassland and light woodland. The course is predominantly based on hard packed surface with some softer areas under trees.
Run 2: Undulating, sweeping run on a variety of surfaces, includes three steep descents and several short, sharp climbs.
Run 3: Gently undulating course based largely on packed sand cycle track and path which follows the contours of the reservoir with the water regularly visible.
How It Works
For the Short distance single participants, as well as teams are permitted to take part.
SwimRun rules are simple - complete your chosen distance carrying everything you need from start to finish; this means wearing your trainers and wetsuit for both the land and water sections of the course.
Please note: There will be a mandatory briefing prior to the event
Timetable
08:00 5k swim
08:05 10k swim
09:15 2 mile swim
10:00 2 mile swim
10:30 SwimRun (Short distance)
11:00 1 mile swim
11:30 1 mile swim
12:00 1 mile swim
12:30 1 mile swim
12:50 Swim250
13:30 1/2 mile swim
FAQs
WILL THERE BE CAR PARKING?
Priority Car Parking will go on sale closer to the time, with a variety of other transport options also available. We are working with the local transport partners to ensure there are a range of options to get to the event site. We will communicate with all entrants when the priority car parking goes on sale.
DO WE HAVE TO WEAR MASKS WHEN IN THE EVENT SITE?
Whilst plans are still to be finalised it is not anticipated that face masks will be compulsory around the general site, due to the open air nature of it. This will be confirmed closer to the event date based on wider Covid restrictions, as well as any areas where masks may be compulsory (such as public transport, etc).
WILL THERE BE HAND SANITIZER?
Hand sanitizer will be available around the event site.
CAN I TAKE SPECTATORS WITH ME, IF SO HOW MANY?
There are no specific plans to limit spectators coming to the event at present, however there will be areas within the event site itself that are reserved for swimmers only. At this stage we are not able to guarantee that friends and family will be able to view swimmers in the water, due to the nature of the event site.
WILL THERE BE AN EVENT VILLAGE?
We are hoping to deliver an exciting event village, including sponsors and partners, as well as food and activities for all.
WILL THERE BE A WARM UP?
The exact format of the warm up is yet to be confirmed, and will be communicated nearer the event date. We will of course be holding our usual safety briefings prior to each swim.
WHERE CAN SPECTATORS STAND?
At this stage we are unable to provide exact details of what viewing will be available for spectators and supporters.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN A WAVE?
All waves will have sufficient time and space to assemble in a socially distanced manner, with 1m+ space for all. In addition swimmers will be slowly released over the start line to ensure distancing can continue in the water.
WILL PEOPLE STILL WRITE MY SWIM NUMBER ON MY HAND?
Our safety systems will undergo a full review to ensure they are in line with current Covid-19 guidelines. Safety of swimmers, spectators, volunteers and staff will be at the centre of any decisions.
WILL THERE BE THE SAME WATER SAFETY PROCEDURES IN PLACE I.E. KAYAKS,ETC?
Our safety systems will undergo a full review to ensure they are in line with current Covid-19 guidelines. Safety of swimmers, spectators, volunteers and staff will be at the centre of any decisions.
WHAT IF IT’S CANCELLED AGAIN?
If the 2021 event is cancelled we will automatically roll your place over into the subsequent staging of the event.