ÖTILLÖ RÜGEN 2026 RACE REPORT World Series

Rügen delivered a fantastic season opener — sunny skies, 12–14°C air and water temperatures, and racing that lived up to every expectation. With 5.4 km of swimming across 46.1 km of total distance, this is the most run-heavy race on the 2026 calendar, and the results reflected that: fast times, aggressive pacing, and the decisive moments arriving — as they so often do — in the water.

men: de Lustrac Brothers in a class of their own

Reigning World Champion Arnaud de Lustrac, racing with his brother Pierre (both FRA) kept it cool in the early kilometers, running conservatively while others were racing at a very fast pace at the front. By the end of the first swim they had moved up, and during the second swim, 900meters into a strong headwind and choppy waves — they opened a gap of around 30 seconds and never looked back.

Behind them, Thomas Guerry and Emeryc Gennesson (both FRA) and the team of Daniel Rowland (SUI) and Ben Thiesmeyer (GER) were locked in a tight battle for second. Emeryc Gennesson’s swimming proved the difference: he and Thomas Guerry pulled clear during the longest swim of the day, 1900 meters through Selliner See, and held on to finish second in 4:22:38. Daniel Rowland and Ben Thiesmeyer, unable to close the gap on the long final run, finished third in 4:25:56.

The de Lustrac brothers crossed the line in 4:17:19 — a very impressive time given the length and terrain of the course.

“On the second swim there was a lot of headwind and big waves and we managed to take a lead of about 30 seconds and then we pushed on the next run to stay ahead.” — Pierre de Lustrac

“The last part of the course is very hard and we were getting very tired, but we stayed focused and paid attention to every detail all the way to the finish.” — Arnaud de Lustrac

Mixed: Tom Ralite and Elfie Arnaud lead from start to finish

Tom Ralite and Elfie Arnaud (both FRA) showed an outstanding performance, staying in touch with the leading men through the swims and grinding out a wire-to-wire win in 4:22:44 — good enough for an outstanding 3rd place overall across all categories.

Behind them, a compelling battle played out between former World Champions Alexander Berggren and Kristin Larsson (both SWE) and the French team of Florian Schäfer and Lydie Waucquier. Florian Schäfer and Lydie Waucquier led for the first two-thirds of the race, their strength on the flat, fast running sections giving them a clear edge. But as the course turned hillier and more challenging in the final third, Alex Berggren and Kristin Larsson showed their strength and overtook the French team to finish second in 4:31:36, with Florian Schäfer and Lydie Waucquier third in 4:35:06.

“Our plan was to try and stay with the leading men, especially in the swims. This meant we had to push very hard on the first run to keep up with them.” — Tom Ralite

Women: Hanna Skårbratt and Melisande Muller seize their moment

For two-thirds of the race, the women’s category was a dead heat. Hanna Skårbratt (SWE) and Mélisande Muller (FRA) raced side by side with Desirée Andersson and Anna Hellström (both SWE), four athletes so evenly matched that nothing could separate them on land.

The Selliner See changed everything. A solo man came through at pace, and Hanna Skårbratt and Mélisande Muller latched onto his feet. Désiree Andersson and Anna Hellström couldn’t respond. Fifteen to twenty seconds out of the water — enough of a margin, and enough of a signal: Hanna Skårbratt and Mélisande Muller ran hard to the finish, extending their lead all the way to the line. Final time: 4:38:07, with Désiree Andersson and Anna Hellström 5:31 back in second.

Johanne Laizeau and Pauline Storchan (both FRA) rounded out the podium in 4:57:15.

“We were waiting for an opportunity and it came on the long swim. We created a gap of 15–20 seconds out of the water. That was enough to feel like this is our opportunity.” — Hanna Skårbratt

SOLO: Niamh murphy wins again and Jonathan Thiesmeyer wins in tight competition

In the men’s solo, Jonathan Thiesmeyer (GER) claimed his first ever World Series win in 4:39:16, edging Guillaume Poullain (FRA) by just over a minute. Claudius Ditz (GER) finished third in 4:44:57.

Niamh Murphy (IRL) was dominant in the women’s solo, repeating her 2025 victory in 5:13:18 — more than 17 minutes clear of Francesca Capitoli (ITA) and Maria Tupayachi (PER).

Further information

Full results: otilloswimrun.com

Winners interviews: ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Youtube

Updated Elite Ranking: ÖTILLÖ Elite Ranking

Next race: ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Orcas Island, USA, May 31st