Swimrun is inherently an endurance sport repeating varying distances of open water swimming and running. While sounding similar to aquath(l)on, swimrun has no transitions, meaning participants run in a wetsuit and swim with shoes. The use of swim tools such as pullbuoys, paddles, and short fins are often permitted.

Solo races are uncommon; instead, swimrun usually involves two people (usually of similar abilities and speed) acting together as a team to start and finish together. Teams are often tethered together and must not separate more than 10m from one another during the race. 

• Rules and restrictions may change from race to race; however, standard swimrun equipment guidelines are below.
• Required Equipment: swimwear (often, a wetsuit is mandatory), fast-drying shoes with grip, bib, swim cap, and course map
• Recommended Equipment: swim paddles, pull buoy, compass, waterproof bag, first aid kit, and rope for tether (so that teammates may not be separated by more than 10 meters),

You should practice running with a wetsuit, swimming while wearing shoes, and transitioning multiple times. It’s also a good idea to consider your race style and the devices you’re willing to carry – all equipment carried at the start must be carried without throughout the race.

Just as important is the practice of racing with another person – throughout the entire course! Before a race, practicing transitions together and being attached by a cord  is a key preparation for a swimrun race.

Surprise! There is no transition area for a change of clothes or holding/collection of equipment, including eye wear.

Throughout a swimrun race, athletes are continuously swimming and running. So if you wear shoes and a wet suit, you’ll be wearing shoes while you swim and a wet suit when you run. Of course, some teams opt to place their shoes in a waterproof bag for the swim because they can swim faster without shoes.

Experimenting with transition methods and practicing the most efficient transitions is something for swimrun teams to consider. 

The most common swimruns in the world range between 20 to 60KM. Sprints are usually no more than 20KM, while the longer ultra distances are often more than 50KM. 

Swimrun beginners are encouraged to join the sprint distance to first learn about the sport. While the percentage of swimming and running varies among races, you should be comfortable open water swimming 3KM (if not 5KM) at a minimum.