Interesting facts about the endurance sport SwimRun
How the sport of running and swimming began
So the little group discussed whether it is possible to cross the Stockholm archipelago without a boat. As everyone was united by a love of endurance sports and fuelled by cold drinks, a bet was made. This involved swimming and running the distance between Utö and Sandhamn.
The total distance was 75 kilometres, including 10 kilometres of swimming. The start was in teams of two. The losing team had to pay for the hotel and other costs incurred. The following morning, the so-called "Original 4" set off and took more than 24 hours.
Natural entry into a swimming section at the SwimRun Rheinsberg 2023. | © SCC EVENTS/Tilo Wiedensohler
The international spread of the SwimRun
It took a few years before the first official race was organised. The first SwimRun was held in 2006 on the same course that the Original 4" ran back then.
There are currently more than 150 SwimRuns in Sweden. It has become a popular sport. The race "ÖtillÖ" ("from island to island") is becoming increasingly popular. The original course is now used for the SwimRun World Championship.
Year after year, people from all over the world make a pilgrimage to the Swedish capital to complete the 75 km SwimRun. ÖtillÖ" competitions now take place all over the world. Events in the USA, the United Kingdom and Central Europe are not uncommon.
Kreuz&Quer SwimRun e. V. is the first German SwimRun club
In addition to the SwimRun Rheinsberg, other SwimRun events are also organised in Germany. Events are organised throughout Germany throughout the year.
The SwimRun Urban Challenge has also been organised for several years. This series of events has set itself the goal of establishing events in urban Germany. This concept has been well received in eastern Germany. Events in Saxony-Anhalt and around Berlin are enjoying steadily growing numbers of participants. In addition, the first official SwimRun club was founded in Zehdenick on 11 November 2017.
Kreuz&Quer SwimRun e. V. is still the only pure SwimRun club in Germany. The club is enjoying steady growth in membership. Whether adults or children, everyone finds their place within the club. 90 members, 50% of whom are children and young people, train every week under the supervision of qualified coaches.
The club has recently trained a coach in Berlin, who also offers training programmes in the German capital. Interested? You can get in touch with the people in charge via the homepage. There you can also find out all about training times and locations.
Participants of the Kreuz&Quer SwimRun e.V. at the SwimRun Rheinsberg. | © private
The SwimRun Rheinsberg organised by SCC EVENTS
The SwimRun Rheinsberg is an important date in the calendar for SwimRun enthusiasts. Since 2016, athletes have been competing against each other in summer just outside Berlin.
Wonderful forest trails characterise the various distances, as do the Grienericksee lake, the enchanted village of Warenthin and the Poetensteig trail, which the famous writer Theodor Fontane walked along.
Shortly before the finish, there are wonderful views of the town and Rheinsberg Castle. This year, the SwimRun Rheinsberg will take place on 30 June 2024.
Swimming participants of the Family Fun SwimRun Rheinsberg on the way to the exit, 2023. | © SCC EVENTS/Sportografen
From the Family Fun SwimRun to the supreme discipline in Rheinsberg
There are various starting options for participants to choose from. The Family Fun SwimRun can be started from the age of 6 - 10, but must be accompanied by an adult.
The race distance is one lap, i.e. 700 metres running and 200 metres swimming. In the Youth SwimRun, the distances vary between 1 and 3 laps depending on age. There is also the SuperSprint, with a distance of 4.4 km (including a total of 1.0 km in the water) and the Sprint with a distance of 11.3 km (including a total of 2.0 km in the water).
Last but not least, the supreme discipline on this day: the SwimRun. 21.4 km are covered, 3.5 km of which are in the water.
You can start individually or in a team of two. Those starting in a team may not be more than 10 metres apart during the run. An elasticated pull rope is recommended to comply with this rule. In addition, aids such as paddles and pullbuoys are permitted
Running in unspoilt nature at the SwimRun Rheinsberg 2023, SCC EVENTS/Tilo Wiedensohler. | © SCC EVENTS/Tilo Wiedensohler
BMW
BMW GERMANY - A STRONG PARTNER FOR RUNNING.
BMW has been the title sponsor of Germany's biggest marathon since 2011. At this running event, the world's elite come together to top the current best times.
Strength. Endurance. Efficiency. These are not only the most important attributes of a runner, but also apply to BMW's sustainable vehicles. BMW has been setting standards in sustainability for years and successfully demonstrates them at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON. But also before the event BMW accompanies the running community in their preparation and emphasizes the joy of running. With the perennial RUN FOR JOY campaign, BMW, supports the athletes in their preparation - together they make the impossible possible. The lead vehicle, the new BMW i5 supports the runners on the course. It has exactly the qualities needed for a successful marathon run: intelligent and responsible use of resources. And it is precisely with these skills that the all-electric vehicle guides the runners safely, purposefully and in an environmentally friendly manner through the capital.
More than 50 vehicles and around 15 scooters of the C evolution class are part of the fleet of support vehicles provided by BMW for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. In addition to the iX as a safety car, the latest i-models from the car manufacturer are also in use as shuttle and organization vehicles. With this commitment, BMW supports the sustainable development of modern technology and the sport of running.
adidas
Everything at adidas reflects the spirit of our founder, Adi Dassler. Improving the athlete’s performance was his goal; today, his legacy continues with the consumer at the heart of everything the adidas brand does.
The number of runners in Germany is constantly increasing. No matter where they come from, they all have the same goal: Improve. Better runners, better athletes and in the end a better version of themselves.
adidas Running has something for everyone – we want help each person achieve their individual goals. What counts is personal development, which goes far beyond the personal best.
Abbott
At Abbott, our 114,000 employees in more than 160 countries are devoted to advancing life-changing technologies that help people achieve their full potential. Our medical devices, diagnostic tools and nutrition products are designed to enable individuals to reach their personal best, however they define it. By sponsoring the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world, including the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, we are not just celebrating the pinnacle of physical endurance and determination – we are reinforcing our commitment to improving lives. The Abbott World Marathon Majors are a testament to health and the human spirit at their finest, showcasing that with the right support and determination, every finish line is within reach.
More on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.
Zalando
Are you ready to take your running to the next level? As the official sponsor of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Zalando is here to help you reach your goals. Running a marathon is challenging enough - you need the right equipment to feel completely comfortable. Our functional sportswear can do much more than just look good: From marathon training to relaxed runs - find your perfect outfit at Zalando and run with us!
GENERALI
Generali Germany has been our partner since 2018. The insurance group is part of the international Generali Group and thus also part of a company that is over 190 years old, its history and its heritage. In 2017, the company launched a new sponsorship strategy - “Generali moves Germany”.
The initiative aims to motivate people to lead active health and environmentally conscious lives. Taking part, not watching, is crucial here. In recent years, Generali has thus become one of the largest and most important sponsors in German running. Running promotes physical and mental health and thus has a preventive effect against numerous common diseases. Moreover, hardly any other sport can be practiced in such a resource-saving and environmentally friendly way. Together with the event organizers, Generali develops programs that make major events demonstrably sustainable: in the areas of environmental and climate protection and social commitment.
About 9 million customers are insured with the companies of Generali Germany, which include the brands Generali, CosmosDirekt and Dialog in the life, health and property/casualty segments. Generali's objective is to be a lifetime partner for its customers, offering innovative, individual solutions and services thanks to an excellent sales network in exclusive and direct sales as well as in the broker channel. Generali Germany is part of the "Germany, Austria and Switzerland" (DACH) business unit, which was newly created in 2022.
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei refreshes all finishers behind the finish line. ERDINGER Alkoholfrei is the ideal beverage after sports: isotonic, rich in vitamins, and low in calories. And ERDINGER Alkoholfrei has only 125 kcl per 0.5-liter bottle! Because a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important!
EY
As official Partner and Sustainability Consultant of the BMW BERLIN MARATHON, EY aims to further advance the sustainable transformation in sports. To this end and together with the event organizer SCC Events, EY will develop a concept to make the marathon as sustainable as possible.
Also beyond the course, we go the extra mEYle every day: EY is one of the major German professional services organizations with more than 11,000 employees at 20 locations. Working across Assurance, Consulting, Law, Tax, Strategy and Transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
This includes EY helping clients to develop and implement suitable sustainability concepts. In addition, EY has many years of experience in advising companies and organizations in sports.
NORQAIN
NORQAIN – Official Timekeeper of BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
Embrace the thrill of precision and endurance with NORQAIN at the iconic BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. As the proud Official Timekeeper, family-owned and fully independent NORQAIN exemplifies a commitment to quality watchmaking and its challenger “my life, my way” spirit.
Just as runners push their limits on the track, NORQAIN's timepieces stand strong against the test of time, making every second count in the pursuit of excellence. At the heart of our collection lies the revolutionary Wild ONE collection. Crafted to endure the most demanding challenges, this ultimate high-performance sports watch is both ultra-robust and ultra-light making it a perfect companion for athletes and watch enthusiasts alike.
We’re beyond excited to announce that as a special tribute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic BMW BERLIN-MARATHON NORQAIN will be unveiling a limited edition Wild ONE BMW BERLIN-MARATHON timepiece in 2024.
Maurten
You probably know that you burn carbohydrates when you run – both in training and during the race. And how hard it can be getting the fueling right, without GI-distress.
Our Hydrogel Technology makes sure you get enough carbohydrates without risking the session or race. But there are no shortcuts – science has shown that training your guts makes a huge difference.
VILSA
Naturality meets sustainability
As a mineral water, VILSA accompanies you with refreshing purity and light mineralisation. But that's not all! We are committed to people, animals and the environment: as a family-owned, midsized company in its fourth generation, we see it as an obligation and the core of our company philosophy to stand up for nature and the conservation of our resources in order to preserve them for future generations.
Discover our variety of products and enjoy the natural freshness of VILSA.