Swimrun came to the UK in a big way this weekend, as the Swedish originators of the format, ÖtillÖ, hosted their first world series British race in the Isles of Scilly.
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Meaning ‘island to island’ the ÖtillÖ series began as the result of a drunken bet between two friends, who wondered how long it would take to race across the Stockholm archipelago of islands. That race now forms the world championship event each September, but as the format increases in popularity, more qualifying races are appearing across Europe.
ÖtillÖ Isles of Scilly in pictures
Across land and sea
The swimrun format comprises alternating sections of tough trail running and sea swimming and you race in teams of two, so each pairing can support each other through the often tricky race conditions. In the Scilly race, competitors took on a total distance of 37.5km, with 30km of trail running around the Scilly coastlines and 7.5km of swims between islands.
Those swims weren’t for the faint-hearted either. The first swim was 2,000m and the last – back to the starting island of St Mary’s – was 2,350m against a tricky current. Shorter swims made up the middle section as the race truly lived up to the ‘island to island’ concept.
Athletes from all over the world attended. Many Swedish swimrunners were in Scilly hoping to take the win at the first UK race, while it also attracted people from as far afield as Japan. Many British athletes were competing to try the format for the first time and they included former pro triathlete and swim coach Richard ‘the fish’ Stannard, who was competing with ultra-runner Andrew Fargus.
Winning strategy
It was Stannard and Fargus who led from the start and stuck to a clear race strategy to eventually take the win in the hotly-contested men’s category. “We set off hard to take the lead and pressed all the way, but we had to constantly look over our shoulders,” said Stannard. “Swimrun is not just a race, it’s a massive adventure and this course is beautiful!
“It is a stunning set of islands and such a great way to see them. Even if you are trying to win you get through some amazing scenery and there were lots of people cheering along the course, which was really welcoming. The race was tough, especially the last 2,350-metre-long swim when the body really starts to feel it.”
In the women’s and mixed races it was the Swedish teams that prevailed, with the current Women’s ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Champion Annika Ericsson taking the win in the women’s category with her partner Maria Edstedt.
Also racing was 220 Triathlon Editor Helen Webster (check back online later this week for her race blog) with Swedish partner Göran Wernqvist, and 220 writer and adventure racer Andy Blow, whose race report will appear in the next issue of 220.
Top 3 Race Results
Men 1. Richard Stannard and Andrew Fargus (GBR), Team Richard & Andrew, 5:02:44 2. Stefano Prestinoni and Fredrik Axegård (SWE), Team Swimshop.se, 5:04:22 3. Henrik Wahlberg and Claes Wiréhn (SWE), Team Löplabbet, 5:07:33
Mixed 1. Martina Ågren (USA) and Oskar Davidsson (SWE), Team Carbon 5:49:14 2. Anna Schlosser (SWE) and Johan Johansson (DEN), Team Crawlkurser.com 6:04:34 3. Ulrik Persson and Maggan Persson (SWE), Team Helikopter Wing 6:41:21
Women 1. Annika Ericsson and Maria Edstedt (SWE), Team Trispot, 5:56:40 2. Rosemary Byde and Isobel Joiner (GBR), Team sportextreme.com 6:21:39 3. Jenny Rice and Claire Wilson (GBR), Team Girls Wot Can, 6:41:47
For a complete result list click here. To find out more about ÖtillÖ visit the website here.
Tempted to try a race? See the current issue of 220 Triathlon for a 6-page feature on swimrun gear. Subscribe here.
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To discover more about the Isles of Scilly, go to visitislesofscilly.com. To book your journey, visit islesofscilly-travel.co.uk or phone 01736 334220. There are Skybus flights to St. Mary’s all year round from Land’s End and Newquay Airports, and between March and October from Exeter Airport. Prices start from £140 return from Land’s End. From spring to late-autumn, the Scillonian lll passenger ship sails up to seven days a week between Penzance and St. Mary’s. Prices start from £90 return. 220 Triathlon stayed at the fantastic Star Castle Hotel, St. Mary’s, star-castle.co.uk.
Swimrun came to the UK in a big way this weekend, as the Swedish originators of the format, ÖtillÖ, hosted their first world series British race in the Isles of Scilly.
Meaning ‘island to island’ the ÖtillÖ series began as the result of a drunken bet between two friends, who wondered how long it would take to race across the Stockholm archipelago of islands. That race now forms the world championship event each September, but as the format increases in popularity, more qualifying races are appearing across Europe.
ÖtillÖ Isles of Scilly in pictures
Across land and sea
The swimrun format comprises alternating sections of tough trail running and sea swimming and you race in teams of two, so each pairing can support each other through the often tricky race conditions. In the Scilly race, competitors took on a total distance of 37.5km, with 30km of trail running around the Scilly coastlines and 7.5km of swims between islands.
Those swims weren’t for the faint-hearted either. The first swim was 2,000m and the last – back to the starting island of St Mary’s – was 2,350m against a tricky current. Shorter swims made up the middle section as the race truly lived up to the ‘island to island’ concept.
Athletes from all over the world attended. Many Swedish swimrunners were in Scilly hoping to take the win at the first UK race, while it also attracted people from as far afield as Japan. Many British athletes were competing to try the format for the first time and they included former pro triathlete and swim coach Richard ‘the fish’ Stannard, who was competing with ultra-runner Andrew Fargus.
Winning strategy
It was Stannard and Fargus who led from the start and stuck to a clear race strategy to eventually take the win in the hotly-contested men’s category. “We set off hard to take the lead and pressed all the way, but we had to constantly look over our shoulders,” said Stannard. “Swimrun is not just a race, it’s a massive adventure and this course is beautiful!
“It is a stunning set of islands and such a great way to see them. Even if you are trying to win you get through some amazing scenery and there were lots of people cheering along the course, which was really welcoming. The race was tough, especially the last 2,350-metre-long swim when the body really starts to feel it.”
In the women’s and mixed races it was the Swedish teams that prevailed, with the current Women’s ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Champion Annika Ericsson taking the win in the women’s category with her partner Maria Edstedt.
Also racing was 220 Triathlon Editor Helen Webster (check back online later this week for her race blog) with Swedish partner Göran Wernqvist, and 220 writer and adventure racer Andy Blow, whose race report will appear in the next issue of 220.
Top 3 Race Results
Men 1. Richard Stannard and Andrew Fargus (GBR), Team Richard & Andrew, 5:02:44 2. Stefano Prestinoni and Fredrik Axegård (SWE), Team Swimshop.se, 5:04:22 3. Henrik Wahlberg and Claes Wiréhn (SWE), Team Löplabbet, 5:07:33
Mixed 1. Martina Ågren (USA) and Oskar Davidsson (SWE), Team Carbon 5:49:14 2. Anna Schlosser (SWE) and Johan Johansson (DEN), Team Crawlkurser.com 6:04:34 3. Ulrik Persson and Maggan Persson (SWE), Team Helikopter Wing 6:41:21
Women 1. Annika Ericsson and Maria Edstedt (SWE), Team Trispot, 5:56:40 2. Rosemary Byde and Isobel Joiner (GBR), Team sportextreme.com 6:21:39 3. Jenny Rice and Claire Wilson (GBR), Team Girls Wot Can, 6:41:47
For a complete result list click here. To find out more about ÖtillÖ visit the website here.
Tempted to try a race? See the current issue of 220 Triathlon for a 6-page feature on swimrun gear. Subscribe here.
Advertisement
To discover more about the Isles of Scilly, go to visitislesofscilly.com. To book your journey, visit islesofscilly-travel.co.uk or phone 01736 334220. There are Skybus flights to St. Mary’s all year round from Land’s End and Newquay Airports, and between March and October from Exeter Airport. Prices start from £140 return from Land’s End. From spring to late-autumn, the Scillonian lll passenger ship sails up to seven days a week between Penzance and St. Mary’s. Prices start from £90 return. 220 Triathlon stayed at the fantastic Star Castle Hotel, St. Mary’s, star-castle.co.uk.
In the Olympic distance triathlon at The Dambuster’s triathlon at Rutland Water William Cowen (Jackpot Racing), was the overall winner, just 16 seconds clear of David Bartlett (Cycleogic.co.uk). Separated by just two seconds in the swim, David gained around 30 seconds over the rolling bike course, before William managed to reverse the positions with a 34:41 run split, which was the fourth fastest of the day. Third overall was Ashley Hurdman (Huub TFN RT) who overcame a two-minute swim deficit with an exceptional bike performance and strong run, to finish just 15 seconds slower than David. All three won their respective categories.
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Claire Hann (Bikescience) was the overall winner in the women’s field. Starting with the fastest swim time of the day, she ended with the fastest run too – and came very close to making it a clean sweep on the bike. Only Emma Dreary, (Stortford Tri), who took second overall was able to go just a few seconds quicker on the bike than Claire.
Becky Schofield (Physio Resolutions) completed the podium with a strong performance across all three disciplines. As with the men, all three also won their respective age-group races in the process.
On Sunday the Ffit Conway Triathlon hosted the final, draft-legal sprint distance Cozumel qualifier in North Wales, courtesy of Xtra Mile Events.
In the women’s Jacqui Phillips (TRIKS) was able to show the youngsters a thing or two by taking the win and first place in the 45-49 category. A long-time member of the Great Britain team, Jacqui will be hoping to add Gold in Cozumel to a CV., which already counts European and World Championship medals into double figures over Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon events.
For the men, it was a youngster, Benjamin Baugh (Linc Squad) who won the 15-19 category and overall hounours by almost one minute from Grant Bateman (Hillingdon Triathletes). James Hodgson completed the podium, with all three athletes taking first place in their respective age-groups.
Dambuster Triathlon
ITU Qualifier 2016 (Standard Distance) 1.5km / 42km / 10km
In the Olympic distance triathlon at The Dambuster’s triathlon at Rutland Water William Cowen (Jackpot Racing), was the overall winner, just 16 seconds clear of David Bartlett (Cycleogic.co.uk). Separated by just two seconds in the swim, David gained around 30 seconds over the rolling bike course, before William managed to reverse the positions with a 34:41 run split, which was the fourth fastest of the day. Third overall was Ashley Hurdman (Huub TFN RT) who overcame a two-minute swim deficit with an exceptional bike performance and strong run, to finish just 15 seconds slower than David. All three won their respective categories.
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Claire Hann (Bikescience) was the overall winner in the women’s field. Starting with the fastest swim time of the day, she ended with the fastest run too – and came very close to making it a clean sweep on the bike. Only Emma Dreary, (Stortford Tri), who took second overall was able to go just a few seconds quicker on the bike than Claire.
Becky Schofield (Physio Resolutions) completed the podium with a strong performance across all three disciplines. As with the men, all three also won their respective age-group races in the process.
On Sunday the Ffit Conway Triathlon hosted the final, draft-legal sprint distance Cozumel qualifier in North Wales, courtesy of Xtra Mile Events.
In the women’s Jacqui Phillips (TRIKS) was able to show the youngsters a thing or two by taking the win and first place in the 45-49 category. A long-time member of the Great Britain team, Jacqui will be hoping to add Gold in Cozumel to a CV., which already counts European and World Championship medals into double figures over Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon events.
For the men, it was a youngster, Benjamin Baugh (Linc Squad) who won the 15-19 category and overall hounours by almost one minute from Grant Bateman (Hillingdon Triathletes). James Hodgson completed the podium, with all three athletes taking first place in their respective age-groups.
Dambuster Triathlon
ITU Qualifier 2016 (Standard Distance) 1.5km / 42km / 10km
The British female athlete’s consistent run of medals continued at the ETU Triathlon European Under-23 Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria with Sophie Coldwell winning a silver medal in the individual race over the sprint distance
Originally meant to be held over the Olympic distance,Coldwell, as a strong swimmer, would have hoped the swim would have provided more opportunity of a breakaway in perhaps her strongest discipline. Despite leading out of the revised 750m non-wetsuit swim, however the flat nature of the course saw athletes regroup and a large pack all descend upon T2 in close proximity with the medals to be decided on the 5km run course. Zoe Thomaswas also in that lead group at the start of the run. A very close finish saw the first four athlete cross the line within six seconds, Coldwell surprising herself on the run to take the silver medal just one second in arrears to Italy’s Angelica Olmo.
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“Can’t believe little old me got my first championship medal from a run race!” she said after the event.
Coldwell also helped the mixed British team, of Zoe Thomas, Christopher Perham and Morgan Davies to a silver. In a close battle throughout, Italy took top spot on the podium in the final stages with the British team having to serve a 10 second penalty, Davies bringing the team home for the Silver with Spain completing the podium for the Bronze medals.
Spain’sDavid Castro Fajardo took the Gold in the Men’s race, with Grant Sheldon(fifth), the leading British athlete. As with the Women’s event, despite various attacks and breaks on the bike it was all down to the final 5km run as a huge group reached the second transition separated by very few seconds.
Burgas ETU Triathlon U23 European Championships – 750m / 20km / 5km (race amended to Sprint distance)
The British female athlete’s consistent run of medals continued at the ETU Triathlon European Under-23 Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria with Sophie Coldwell winning a silver medal in the individual race over the sprint distance
Originally meant to be held over the Olympic distance,Coldwell, as a strong swimmer, would have hoped the swim would have provided more opportunity of a breakaway in perhaps her strongest discipline. Despite leading out of the revised 750m non-wetsuit swim, however the flat nature of the course saw athletes regroup and a large pack all descend upon T2 in close proximity with the medals to be decided on the 5km run course. Zoe Thomaswas also in that lead group at the start of the run. A very close finish saw the first four athlete cross the line within six seconds, Coldwell surprising herself on the run to take the silver medal just one second in arrears to Italy’s Angelica Olmo.
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“Can’t believe little old me got my first championship medal from a run race!” she said after the event.
Coldwell also helped the mixed British team, of Zoe Thomas, Christopher Perham and Morgan Davies to a silver. In a close battle throughout, Italy took top spot on the podium in the final stages with the British team having to serve a 10 second penalty, Davies bringing the team home for the Silver with Spain completing the podium for the Bronze medals.
Spain’sDavid Castro Fajardo took the Gold in the Men’s race, with Grant Sheldon(fifth), the leading British athlete. As with the Women’s event, despite various attacks and breaks on the bike it was all down to the final 5km run as a huge group reached the second transition separated by very few seconds.
Burgas ETU Triathlon U23 European Championships – 750m / 20km / 5km (race amended to Sprint distance)
New research shows a lack of sleep can cause an athlete performance to fall significantly. The research, carried out by scientists at the University of California, showed energy expenditure during submaximal exercise decreased 3.9 percent; maximal aerobic power decreased 2.9 percent and time to exhaustion decreased by 10.7 percent (37 seconds). Submaximal heart rate decreased after sleep restriction, as well as peak heart rate and Psychomotor Vigilance Test response speed.
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“Our study is unique since we examined the relationship between sleep, physical performance, cognitive functioning, and physiology simultaneously,” said lead investigator, Cheri Mah, MS. “Future studies are needed to better understand the physiologic responses to sleep restriction, and conversely sleep extension, to understand the dose response of sleep interventions on performance and health.”
The study involved 12 healthy elite male cyclists who either had restricted sleep to 4 hours for three days or extended sleep to 10 hours for two weeks. Cyclists completed a baseline week of habitual sleep and a 2-week washout period in between interventions. Outcome measures pre and post intervention included: a 20-minute submaximal test, a 1-minute incremental maximal exercise test, and a maximal time to exhaustion test on a bicycle ergometer and metabolic collection system as well as the Psychomotor Vigilance Test.
New research shows a lack of sleep can cause an athlete performance to fall significantly. The research, carried out by scientists at the University of California, showed energy expenditure during submaximal exercise decreased 3.9 percent; maximal aerobic power decreased 2.9 percent and time to exhaustion decreased by 10.7 percent (37 seconds). Submaximal heart rate decreased after sleep restriction, as well as peak heart rate and Psychomotor Vigilance Test response speed.
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“Our study is unique since we examined the relationship between sleep, physical performance, cognitive functioning, and physiology simultaneously,” said lead investigator, Cheri Mah, MS. “Future studies are needed to better understand the physiologic responses to sleep restriction, and conversely sleep extension, to understand the dose response of sleep interventions on performance and health.”
The study involved 12 healthy elite male cyclists who either had restricted sleep to 4 hours for three days or extended sleep to 10 hours for two weeks. Cyclists completed a baseline week of habitual sleep and a 2-week washout period in between interventions. Outcome measures pre and post intervention included: a 20-minute submaximal test, a 1-minute incremental maximal exercise test, and a maximal time to exhaustion test on a bicycle ergometer and metabolic collection system as well as the Psychomotor Vigilance Test.