After almost two years of searching in the UK we finally found our home in the magnificent Isles of Scilly. Before the race few had heard of the place, after the race we think it will become known as a new standard for Swimrun races in the UK. Who has not been emotionally touched by the location?
We had set Saturday as our race day to be able to have Sunday as our reserve day. With hind-sight we were very lucky as Saturday was a perfect day for the race with a tough day before and a tough day after. Not as many would have finished on any of the other days!
In total 104 teams registered for the race, 85 teams started and 85% finished. A lot more than we thought as we had put it at about 60 – 65% finishes. Congratulations to you all for racing so well.
The course is awesome with two big swims, some tricky runs, some tougher shorter swims and some incredible vistas – all in all the perfect stage for an ÖTILLÖ event. Together with a local community that supported us and cheered all the teams like no other we pulled it off the way we wanted – a massive bang on the UK Swimrun scene.
Teams from 15 nations battled it out, bringing home news of their feats and helping the exposure on internet that still is growing. Thank you!
At the race briefing we spoke much of the ethos of an ÖTILÖ Swimrun event – to look out for each other, to take responsibility for the precious environment we race in and to act as a big family. You all took it to heart and have now set a new standard for all our races, we will use you as our shining example.
The race turned out to be what we hoped for a fierce battle at the front where Stannard/ Fargus pulled out the stops and won in front of two Swedish teams. All three teams within 5 minutes of each other. This is great for the continued battle at the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship in September and also for the UK Swimrun Scene. In the Womens category Annika Ericsson proved yet again why she is the current ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Champion winning with Maria Edstedt in front of two British teams. In Mixed Team Carbon from Sweden went for the ÖTILLÖ spot they wanted so bad, travelled last minute to the Isles, won and then went home again. Talk about Veni, vedi, Vinci! Well done!
The local team also finished the race in mixed, now inspiring more islanders to take part in the future! Well done.
See the results from ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Isles of Scilly
So, what does the future have in store?
Our ambition is to have a race on June 17, 2017 with 200 teams. With a sprint the day after. This year we integrated the two sprint teams in the main event but hope to have a real field for the event next year. As soon as we have permits in order we will open up registration. Adding a travel solution that will make it so much easier for everyone to get to the event. More to come.
Congratulations to all top 3, to all teams Qualified for ÖTILLÖ and to all teams that made this a very special weekend. Our ÖTILLÖ Swimrun debut in the UK.
We would also like to thank all staff, all volunteers, all sponsors and media for making this event happen. We love the Isles of Scilly and we will be back.
Stay tuned for another beautiful event on July 9 & 10 in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland!
With respect,
Michael & Mats
Race Directors ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series
