3 minute read
Swimrun began in Sweden as the result of a drunken bet between friends. In 2002 after a late night of drinking, two pairs of friends challenged each other to a race across the Stockholm Archipelago (75km over land and water) with the only rule being that they had to pass three different restaurants on the islands between the start and the finishing line. The losers had to pay for the hotel, dinner and drinks of the other team at the end of the race. Two teams of two set off and ended up finishing more than 24 hours later. They enjoyed the experience so much that they did all again the next year.
In 2006 Michael Lemmel and Mats Skott were asked if they could make a commercial race out of this endurance challenge. They called the race ÖTILLÖ (which translates as 'island to island' in Swedish). ÖTILLÖ is now considered one of the toughest endurance races in the world, and Swimrun events take place in unique locations including Hvar in Croatia, the Engadin Valley in Switzerland and the Isles of Scilly.
The World Championship still take place where it all began on the Stockholm Archipelago, with competitors racing across the island taking on 10km of open water and 65km of trail running.
Sticking to its roots, ÖTILLÖ Race Swimrun is a team sport, with teams of two racing together along a pre-marked course, both running and swimming within 10 metres of each other, sharing the experience. This encapsulates the spirit of Swimrun, which is based on teamwork, motivation, fun and passion. ÖTILLÖ also see the sport from a sustainable angle and at every race location, they work with local environmental organisations.
Michael Lemmel, Race Director ÖTILLÖ, Founder of Swimrun commented:
We are very pleased to start working with dryrobe as they will play an important part in our safety management as we now can keep cold racers warm.
A huge bonus is that dryrobe is the go-to choice for a functional and warm changing robe in our day-to-day Swimrun practice.
Now we will also look better!
Gideon Bright, dryrobe founder and director added:
We’re very excited to be working with such an amazing organisation. Swimrun embraces the same values of outdoor adventure, connecting with nature and community spirit that we have here at dryrobe, so this is a perfect fit.
We can’t wait to be part of this awesome event at the birthplace of Swimrun.
A special edition ÖTILLÖ dryrobe is now available to purchase from our online store.
Follow ÖTILLÖ:
Facebook: ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Series
Instagram: @otillorace
Twitter: @otillorace
Website: https://otilloswimrun.com/
#dryrobeterritory
Published on May 24, 2019