UK Swimruns 2026 - 2027

A swimrun alternates between swimming and running several times. Unlike a triathlon, you don’t have to cycle at all, and there’s no transition area for you to change clothes. You’ll usually wear the same kit throughout, which means swimming in your running shoes and running in whatever swim kit you’re using. A triathlon combines three different disciplines with transitions between them, whereas a swimrun just alternates between two disciplines. If you’d rather tackle three disciplines at one event, take a look at triathlons instead.

There isn’t one set swimrun distance; it varies between different events. A course is made up of several swimming and running sections rather than one swim followed by one run. Some events have a relatively short total distance, making them ideal for beginners, while others are much longer and endurance-focused. When you’re comparing events, check the total distance as well as how much of it is swimming, because two swimruns of a similar overall length can be put together very differently.

For a swimrun, you’ll need to be comfortable both running and swimming outdoors, as well as switching between the two without stopping to change your kit. Courses often use trails and open water, so being confident on uneven ground and getting into and out of the water are part of the challenge too. Navigation isn’t automatically required at every event, but it’s worth checking the rules before you enter.

You can take part in a swimrun as a beginner, but only if you choose an event that matches your experience and ability. Shorter formats exist, so it’s probably best to choose one of those for your first event, rather than a longer endurance-focused swimrun. The hardest part for most newcomers is getting used to switching between open water swimming and running without changing kit. It’s definitely a good idea to get plenty of practice before race day.

A swimrun isn’t necessarily any harder or easier than a triathlon; it presents a different kind of challenge. There’s no cycling leg, but you do have to repeatedly switch between swimming and running without getting changed. Distance also has a big impact on the difficulty of an event, so comparing a short swimrun to an iron man triathlon isn’t particularly helpful.

You don’t have to be an elite swimmer, but you should be comfortable swimming in open water for the same distance and conditions of the race you want to enter. Swimrun involves repeated water entries and exits, and you’ll usually swim in your running shoes rather than normal pool kit, which can feel quite different if you haven’t practised it. If open water swimming itself is still new to you, it makes sense to get comfortable with that first before adding the repeated run sections. You can find standalone open water swimming events if you want to build experience in the water.