Welcome to ÖTILLÖ Experience Catalina
Our tribute to America and to the cradle of endurance sports
DATE TBD
In the small community of Two Harbors we have the perfect introduction to Swimrun with flat trails and protected swims. A total immersion in nature.
Race description
The ÖTILLÖ Experience Catalina swimrun course is made up of some nice, flat loops around the small village of Two Harbors. The runs have great views and are on easy, wide trails. The swims are protected and beautiful.
The Experience race is exactly what the name implies, a swimrun experience for those completely new to the sport or for those not ready to compete over bigger distances.
Race alone or come as a team and enjoy the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun experience on Catalina.
Short facts
Date:
Country: USA
Total race distance: 7 800 m
Trail-running: 6 200 m
Run sections: 4
Swimming: 1 600 m
Swim sections: 3
Longest swim: 800 m
Longest run: 2 300 m
Total elevation: 122 m
Registration
Early bird fee
– Team $ 175 / Solo $ 90
Normal fee
– Team $ 200 / Solo $ 100
Late entry fee
– Team $ 225 / Solo $ 110
About ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Catalina
Catalina Island is like a dream. An island just 21 nautical miles off the California coast with endless outdoor and Swimrun possibilities. A rugged island with a 650- meter vertical drop from the highest point to the sea. Lots of bays, pebbled beaches and crystal- clear waters abundant with fish.
This Swimrun location is iconic. A stone’s throw from the 18-million people in Los Angeles you will find the landscape of Jurassic Park.
The perfect place for swimrun.
Schedule
Thursday
| 23:59 | (Local time) Last day to enter and make changes for the ÖTILLÖ World Series, Sprint and Experience races. Changes must be sent to info@otilloswimrun.com. |
Friday
| 15:30 | #Cleantheocean activity in Avalon - Open for everyone. Meeting place: The Trailhead |
| 16:30 | Social Swimrun, in Avalon - Open for everyone. Meeting place: The Trailhead |
| 18:30 | Social gathering in Avalon. Drinks, snacks and fun hosted by Vivobarefoot & ARK. Venue: The Toyon Grill |
Saturday
| 09:15-10:45 | Registration ÖTILLÖ Sprint & Experience – The Reef restaurant, Two Harbors |
| 11:15 | Short race briefing ÖTILLÖ Sprint & Experience – The start box, Two Harbors |
| 11:30 | Start ÖTILLÖ Sprint & Experience Team & Solo – Two Harbors |
| 12:30 | First Experience Team/Solo across the finish line |
| 13:00-15:30 | Burgers ÖTILLÖ Sprint & Experience – The Reef restaurant, Two Harbors |
| 13:00 | First Sprint Team/Solo across the finish line |
| 14:00 | Cut-off for ÖTILLÖ Sprint at Time 2 Isthmus Harbor Beach |
| 14:30-15:30 | Registration ÖTILLÖ World Series & World Series distance Solo - Two Harbors |
| 15:10 | Last racers across the finish line |
| 15:30 | Prize giving ÖTILLÖ Sprint & Experience – The Reef restaurant, Two Harbors |
Sunday
| 08:00-09:00 | Registration ÖTILLÖ World Series Team & Solo – Two Harbors |
| 09:30 | Short race briefing ÖTILLÖ World Series Team & Solo – The start box, Two Harbors |
| 09:45 | Start ÖTILLÖ World Series & World Series distance Solo – Two Harbors |
| 11:50 | Cut-off at Time 3 Two Harbors |
| 14:05 | First team across the finish line |
| 14:30-18:00 | Burgers for racers – The Reef restaurant, Two Harbors |
| 14:35 | Cut-off at Time 6 Emerald Bay |
| 16:00 | Prize giving ÖTILLÖ World Series Team & Solo – The Reef restaurant |
| 16:30 | Cut-off at Time 8 Isthmus Harbor Beach |
| 17:45 | Last team across the finish line |
Race information
Here you will find everything you need to know as a racer at ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Catalina. Please read this thoroughly as the information is important for your experience before and during the race. Good luck and have fun!
Catalina race specific information
Here you will find all registered participants and start lists for ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Catalina.
Catalina Island is reached by ferry from Mainland California. Catalina Island ferry terminals are found in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point with timetables found here. If you are sensitive to seasickness we recommend that you take medication before travel.
On Saturday there will be a morning ferry from San Pedro via Avalon to Two Harbors. The ferry will go back the same way in the afternoon after the races. This ferry will be bookable shortly.
There will also be several ferries between Avalon and Two Harbors during the day.
On Sunday there will be an early morning ferry from Long Beach via Avalon to Two Harbors. The ferry will go back the same way in the evening after the races. This ferry is included in the start fee but still needs to be booked.
There will also be several ferries between Avalon and Two Harbors during the day.
More information about these ferries, booking links and a detailed schedule will be posted here shortly.
National and International air travel is recommended to Los Angeles (LAX) from where it is easy to take a car service to the ferry terminals. Count 90 minutes to the San Pedro ferry terminal from LAX so that you have plenty of time.
Please read this article in SwimrunLife Magazine for more info.
As a racer you and the persons who might be traveling with you have a 10% discount at the Island Company hotel properties.
These include the following hotels:
- Pavillion Hotel, Avalon
- Hotel Atwater, Avalon
- Mt Ada, Avalon
- Banning House Lodge, Two Harbors
The discount code is: SWIMRUN and can be used from now until the end of March 2022!
We will have energy and liquid stations along the course as marked in the course maps and in the Times & Distance documents.
- We will serve fruits and snacks at the energy stations.
- We will serve water and Sports drink and if cold weather we will also provide warm liquid.
- We do not have paper cups at the energy stations, use your collapsible cup or soft flask to drink from.
- If you need gels, bring your own and carry in your wetsuit. Do not throw the wrappers on the ground, leave it in the garbage cans at the energy stations.
A detailed energy schedule for each distance will be posted here closer to the event.
Registration ÖTILLÖ Sprint & Experience
- Saturday, March 19th, 9:15 AM-10:45 AM at the Reef Restaurant in Two Harbors.
Registration ÖTILLÖ World Series
- Saturday, March 19th, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM in Two Harbors.
- Sunday, March 20th, 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM on the chartered ferry between Avalon and Two Harbors.
All racers have to come to the registration to collect the Start pack. At the registration you will have to display your photo-ID. If you race in a team both team members need to come to the registration together. For a smoother process, please look up your start number before picking up your Start pack. Every racer needs also to bring a signed copy of the attached “Waiver and release agreement”. If you plan to race with fins you need to bring these so that we can verify that they are in line with the rules.
During the 2021/ 2022 season we have a general online briefing for each distance. You can find it here. This will be mandatory to watch.
For each event there is a specific RACE INFORMATION section at the bottom of each race page which we strongly suggest that you read so you can prepare for a successful race.
At registration at each destination one of the Race Directors will be present to answer questions.
We will have a short race information session before start about things that are specific for each race day.
The start for all three races are in Two Harbors.
You have to be in the start box 15 minutes before start for a short race update.
Toilets are available by the start line.
You can leave a small bag at the indicated place at the start. Bring a minimum of valuables.
The ÖTILLÖ Experience does not have any cut-offs. The ÖTILLÖ Sprint has one (1) cut-off:
- Isthmus Harbor Beach at 14:00
The ÖTILLÖ World Series has three (3) cut-offs. These are for your safety:
- Two Harbors at 11:50
- Emerald Bay at 14:35
- Isthmus Harbor Beach at 16:30
We have cut-offs in our events to make sure that we can have a safe race; these are put in place so that everyone has a possibility to finish before dark and without jeopardizing the safety of others by stretching the safety organization too much. Please respect this and the people enforcing them.
During each race we make a big media production for social media and traditional media. You will see photographers, reporters and film teams along the course. If you have any personal media contacts that would like to have material from us please email to media.requests@otilloswimrun.com.
We will cover the ÖTILLÖ World Series Catalina LIVE on otilloswimrun.com/live, please spread the information to all your friends and family. We will also use #otillocatalina to tag our posts, please do so too. Our images that we post from the race are free to use for you as racers but not allowed for commercial use to promote other products or events.
In the end of March the island is green and the wild flowers are blooming. It is beautiful.
Like everywhere we can have wind, rain and un-seasonably cold weather, make sure you bring clothes to handle this.
To see the current weather and temperatures check out the following link. Current weather on Catalina Island.
The water in the Pacific is salty, this has an advantage as you will have more flotation, and it also has a disadvantage and that is the possibility for chafing during the race. Make sure you prepare areas that rub so you enjoy both the beginning and the end of the race.
We strongly suggest that you take the time to enjoy Catalina Island and the California coast. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a long weekend or the week with you. The hotel deals is of course for them as well.
As the courses passes through Two Harbors you will be able to see the start, the middle and the end of the race from there.
NOTE: you may not assist any teams unless if it is a medical emergency. Any other assistance will result in disqualification of the team.
ÖtillÖ general race information
Each athlete participating in an ÖTILLÖ Swimrun (World Series, Sprint & Experience race) must know, understand and follow all the competition rules. Please read the ÖTILLÖ Standard Swimrun rules.
3.2 MANDATORY EQUIPMENT PER TEAM
3.2.1 1 first aid pressure bandage, packed waterproof
3.2.2 2 wetsuits (legs and torso in one piece), 1 per person, suitable for the current water temperature. If the water temperature is above 19 degrees Celsius you can choose to not race in a wetsuit
3.2.3 2 whistles, 1 per person, easily accessible so you are able to use it during the swims
3.2.4 2 foldable cups/soft flasks or similar (not your swim cap) to drink from at the energy stations.
3.3 MANDATORY EQUIPMENT PER PERSON COMPETING IN SOLO
3.3.1 1 first aid pressure bandage, packed waterproof
3.3.2 1 wetsuit (legs and torso in one piece), suitable for the current water temperatures. If the water temperature is above 19 degrees Celsius you can choose to not race in a wetsuit
3.3.3 1 whistle, easily accessible so you are able to use it during the swims
3.3.4 1 foldable cup/soft flask or similar (not your swim cap) to drink from at the energy stations.
3.4 MANDATORY EQUIPMENT PER PERSON THAT THE ORGANIZATION WILL SUPPLY
3.4.1 A race bib that must be worn visible all the time during the race
3.4.2 A timing chip (lost or not returned timing chip will be charged 100 Euros or equivalent)
3.4.3 A swim cap that must be worn on the head during all the swims
3.4.4 At some of the races, a GPS tracker must be carried by the racers of the World Series category (Solo: 1 per person, Team: 1 per team)
Timing chip
We use a timing chip that you attach around your ankle with a velcro strap, you will receive the velcro strap in your registration bag. When you pass the timing checkpoints along the course your time will be registered. We will have up to 10 checkpoints along the course and will be reporting your times live on the website.
- You need to enter the start box from behind to activate your chip. Non activated chip will result in disqualification.
- After the race you need to return the timing chip at the finish line. Non-returned chip will be charged 100 €.
Race bib
- The race bibs cannot be modified in any way.
- Your race bib must be worn visible at all times.
- After the race you need to return your race bib at the finish line.
- Take care of each other; it is a long and tough course.
- We have safety boats and are trying to do our best to cover the course.
- All racers have to help another racer in an emergency.
- We have several medic teams on the course.
- Communicate with race officials when help needed.
- If you abandon the race you must communicate with race officials as soon as possible and return the timing chip at the finish area.
- We suggest that you do not use a tow rope when running in difficult terrain.
To minimize waste we will no longer supply cups at the energy stations. You need to bring your own collapsible cup or soft flask that we will fill. One cup or soft flask per person is included in the mandatory equipment.
We will have cups and soft flasks to sell at the events if you do not have one with you.
If the race organization believe there is a danger for the racers or the organization based on weather or other conditions, the course can be changed the day before or even in the middle of the race. Safety is our priority.
At all the ÖTILLÖ World Series events from the latest World Championship to the next there are nine (9) direct qualification spots available, 63 in total. These direct qualification spots are only given to teams where no racer in the team already has a spot.
If a spot is declined it rolls down to the next team. You do not have to be at the award ceremony and you do not have to pay on-site to get your spot. The direct qualification spots are distributed to 4 men, 3 mixed and 2 women teams at each event. This is based on the historical amount of teams per category to make the probability rate as equal as possible.
Read more about qualifying to ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship here.
All teams that finish an ÖTILLÖ World Series race or a race with ÖTILLÖ merit status will receive ranking points, see all merit races here. Check out the races, finish it and get points. If you are not registered, read more about the Swimrun ranking and register here.
To be able to participate in ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship through ranking selection, you need to have ranking points. Read more about how to gain your spot for ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship here.
As you might know we have some ÖTILLÖ branded goods. These can be found on our website
Our partners will be in the event area at the finish line with products on-site.
As a swimrunner you are responsible for your team mate and for others around you. It is your obligation to know how to rescue someone out of the water, how to do CPR and how to use your Mandatory pressure bandage if someone has a bad cut. Here are some good films for you to watch.
Swimming induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a condition which has gained attention in recent years. In short, due to somewhat unclear mechanism, fluid collects in the lungs, compromising the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream. This results in the following symptoms;
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased oxygen saturation (which has to be measured with medical instruments)
- Cough, sometimes with blood
There is ongoing research in the subject, and as the knowledge increases, we will hopefully learn how to better prevent, diagnose and treat the condition.
The current research suggests that the condition terminates in less than 48h. Often it’s enough to stop the activity, remove/open up the wetsuit and get warm. In some cases, oxygen therapy is needed. It’s not fully understood why the condition arises.
There are yet no studies evaluating the long-term effects of SIPE. There is evidence that susceptible individuals may have recurrent episodes of SIPE. There are some medications that may help to prevent recurrent episodes.
If you experience the above symptoms, we recommend stopping the activity and contacting race marshals. If you encounter symptoms during a training session, we recommend seeking medical attention since there are other medical conditions which can manifest in the same way.
Train smart, race hard and take care of yourself and your partner!
Neither the participant nor the race organizer shall be held responsible for a force majeure event. Force majeure means any event which is unforeseen and beyond the reasonable control of either party including but not limited to the following: Act of God, adverse weather, inevitable accident, failure or shortage of power supplies, fire, flood, epidemic, earthquake, explosion, lightning, war or armed conflict, embargo, government or regulatory action or decree, riot or civil disturbance, strike, lock-outs, or other industrial action, terrorist action, failure or delay of common carrier or impairment or lack of adequate transportation facilities.
If by reason of any force majeure event the race organizer is delayed in, or prevented from, performing any of the obligations with regards to staging the race, no loss or damage shall be claimed by the participant by reason thereof.
Images & Video
