Welcome to ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship
September 4th, 2023
ÖTILLÖ is the jewel in the crown. It is the mother of all swimruns and the origin of the sport. ÖTILLÖ is considered to be one of the most prestigeous endurance races in the world.
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Race description
ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship is the jewel in the crown. It is the mother of all swimruns and the origin of the sport. ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship is considered to be one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.
Short facts
Date: 2023-09-04
Country: Sweden
Total race distance: 69 800 m
Trail-running: 60 645 m
Run sections: 24
Swimming: 9 155 m
Swim sections: 23
Longest swim: 1 750 m
Longest run: 17 650 m
Prize Money
Teams: Women/ Men/ Mixed
1st Place: SEK 20’000
2nd Place: SEK 12’000
3rd Place: SEK 7’000
Registration
About ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship
ÖTILLÖ is the original swimrun race, it is The Swimrun World Championship. To finish the ÖTILLÖ course before dusk, the competitors must be very fit and they must be very fast in and out of the water as there are 46 transitions. The teams swim between the 24 islands and run over them. The total distance is 70 kilometres of which 9 km are open-water swimming and 61 km are trail-running.
The start at Sandhamn is mythical and the finish at Utö Värdshus on Utö is like coming to Nirvana. There are spectator spots and food stations at some well-known restaurants on the islands along the way. There are safety boats, medical staff and race marshalls on the course to try to guarantee everyones safety.
The Baltic is the life lung of the Stockholm Archipelago and we need to raise awareness about protecting it.
Schedule for the weekend
Wednesday, August 30th, 2023
| 23:59 | (Local time) Last day to make changes for ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship. Changes must be sent to info@otilloswimrun.com. |
Sunday, September 3rd, 2023
| 14:15 | Buses leave Stockholm Cityterminalen |
| 15:00 | Buses arrive Djurönäset |
| 15:00 | Hotel check-in opens outside the main hotel entry |
| 15:00-16:15 | Race bib distribution - House 7 Djurönäset |
| 15:00-16:00 | Coffee & cake in the bar area behind reception |
| 17:00 | MANDATORY Race meeting in the big, conference room to the left of the reception – Djurönäset |
| 18:00-19:15 | Dinner teams: 78 - 85, 201 - 253, 301 - 328 |
| 19:15-21:00 | Dinner Teams: all others |
Monday, September 4th, 2023 – Race day
| 03:45 | Breakfast opens |
| 04:30 | Start loading ferries |
| 04:45 | Ferry leaves from Djurönäset to the Start at Sandhamn - bring all your belongings |
| 05:30 | Bags on ferry at Sandhamn |
| 05:40 | Racers ready at start line |
| 05:50-06:10 | Start |
| 09:00 | Race cut-off at Time 4 - Styrsvik |
| 11:15 | Race cut-off at Time 8 - Nämdö Solvik |
| 13:40 | First teams across the finish line |
| 14:00 | Race cut-off at Time 11 - Mörtö Bunsö |
| 15:30 | Race cut-off at Time 13 - Kymmendö |
| 15:30-23:00 | Post race banquet at Utö Värdshus |
| 18:00 | Race cut-off at Time 15 - Ängsholmen |
| 20:00 | Last teams across the finish line |
| 20:00 | Prize giving |
| 21:30 | Monday Night ferry and bus to Stockholm City |
Tuesday, September 5th, 2023
| 06:30 | Breakfast at Utö Värdshus |
| 09:30 | Ferry leaves from Utö Gruvbryggan to Årsta Brygga for bus transport to Stockholm C. |
| 11:30 | Buses arrive Stockholm C. |
Race information
Here you will find everything you need to know as a racer at ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship. Please read this throughly as the information is important for your experience before and during the race. Good luck and have fun!
World Championship race specific information
Travel to the start hotel
On September 3rd we have chartered buses to take you to Djurönäset where all teams register and sleep the night before the race.
The buses leave at 14:15 CET from the Stockholm Central bus station Cityterminalen. In the bus station you will find ÖTILLÖ on the departure board to be able to find the berth that they leave from and you will see ÖTILLÖ staff wearing staff vests.
The buses are only for racers and for those who have bought Spectator packages.
Make sure that you are on time. The buses can be loaded from 14:00 and will not wait.
Return to Stockholm
There are two different chartered ferries to return with; Monday evening at 21:30 or Tuesday morning at 09:30 to Årsta brygga where buses awaits to take you to Stockholm C.
See more information under “Chartered ferries” below.
In your race fee the accommodation is included for the start hotel, Sunday night at Djurönäset and the finish hotel at Utö. Two dinners and two breakfasts are also included. When you arrive at Djurönäset you can get your room key in the reception. They will only know your team number so make sure you know what number you have from the start list.
On Sunday night before the race you will share a room with your race partner at Djurönäset.
On Monday night at Utö we will provide a bed for you. This means that you can be sharing a room or an apartment with other racers. There are no other options than this. So please respect the space you are provided with. If this is not ok you have the free option of taking the Monday night ferry at 21:30 back to the mainland and the connecting bus to Stockholm.
The race bib distribution will be at Djurönäset on Sunday, September 3rd 14:45-16:15. There will be signs to guide you when you arrive.
To receive you start pack you will have to display your photo-ID. Both team members need to come to the bib distribution together. For a smoother process, please look up your start number before picking up your Start pack. 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.
The race briefing is mandatory for all racers. It will be held on Sunday, September 3rd at 5 pm in the Congress Hall next to the reception at Djurönäset. Make sure you are there a couple of minutes ahead as we will start at 5 pm sharp.
We will have energy and liquid stations along the course as marked on the course map and in the Times & Distance document.
- We only have paper cups at the first energy station, use your collapsible cup or soft flask to drink from at all other stations.
- 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.
Energy Schedule
This is the energy schedule for 2022. Energy schedule for 2023 will be posted here closer to the race.
We will serve water and Sports drink from Maurten at all stations, see below schedule with details about the Maurten product at each station. Below you can also find the other food and drinks that will be served.
- Time 2 – liquid only, Maurten Drink Mix 160
- Time 4 – Bananas, mixed buns from Utö Bakgård, sweets, Maurten Drink Mix 320
- Time 6 – Oranges, boiled salted potatoes, dried apricots, Maurten Gel 100 CAF 100, Maurten Drink Mix 320
- Time 8 – Bananas, Sandwiches, Hot dogs, Kexchoklad, coffee, tee, warm broth, Maurten Drink Mix 160
- Time 9 – Oranges, homemade chocolate balls from Utö Värdshus, salted peanuts, Maurten Gel 100, Maurten Drink Mix 320
- Time 11 – Boiled salted potatoes, homemade fruit cake from Utö Värdshus, sweets, warm syrup, warm broth, Maurten Drink Mix 320 CAF
- Time 13 – Bananas, salted roasted almonds, nut creme, Maurten Gel 100 CAF 100, Maurten Drink Mix 160
- Tine 14 – Boiled salted potatoes, homemade chocolate balls from Utö Värdshus, sweets, Maurten Gel 100, Maurten Drink Mix 320
- Time 16 – Oranges, cinnamon buns, salted peanuts, warm water, warm broth, Maurten Gel 100 CAF 100, Maurten Drink Mix 320
ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship has five (5) cut offs:
- Time 4 at 09:00
- Time 8 at 11:15
- Time 11 at 14:00
- Time 13 at 15:30
- Time 15 at 18:00
These are for your safety and for the safety of the organisation. Please respect these and our staff if you get taken off. You will not finish before dark unless you manage the times.
We will have all our feeds on our LIVE page. Find it here.
On September 6th, between 05:45 – 18:20 we will have an in-depth LIVE coverage on our facebook. Please share with your friends and family.
You will find great updates in our social media channels.
You, your friends and your families can follow here:
Youtube
We will use the hashtag #otillo. Please do too.
If you have any newspapers, magazines or media contacts that want to write about your race please contact Josefine as she is coordinating all PR with text, images and news cuts.
After the race you will find images of your racing that you are free to share on our flickr page and you will find the Official video one week after the race on our Youtube and Facebook page.
If you want to share your training and race data we would love to look at it on our Strava.
As you realize we cannot predict weather. Over the last two years we have had both extremes. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
If you want to check the weather conditions in real time you can find the info here. Note: the Utö water temperature will be similar to the Sandhamn water temperature.
Like everywhere we can have wind, rain and un-seasonably cold. Make sure you bring clothes to handle this.
Salt water. The water in the Baltic has very low salinity. Some teams will even race without swim goggles.
The Spectator package is the only way that you will be able to take part of a majority of what the participants go through during the race.
The cost of the Spectator package is 8 500 SEK per person and below is what is included:
Sunday, September 3rd
- 2:15 pm bus from Stockholm City to Hotel Djurönäset together with the racers.
- Upon arrival you will be able to take part in the whole racer check-in experience and see the race briefing at 5 pm.
- Dinner and hotel accommodation (twin room occupancy) at Hotel Djurönäset.
Monday, September 4th
- Early breakfast and boat transport to the start together with the racers.
- Watch the start at Sandhamn.
- Ferry transport along the course to see part of the race.
- Lunch on the ferry.
- Drop off on the island of Utö at 1 pm to see all the teams finish.
- Dinner together with the racers at Utö Värdshus.
- Dormitory- style accommodation at Utö Värdshus.
- Optional ferry and bus transport to Stockholm C.
Tuesday, September 5th
- Breakfast at Utö Värdshus.
- Ferry and bus transport with the racers to Stockholm C.
Buy your Spectator package here.
Children in the age 3-12 years old pay 3 500 SEK, please contact Patricia at patricia@otilloswimrun.com to buy this Spectator package.
Finish line
If you want to watch the finish at Utö on Monday you can take the regular ferry to and from Utö. The last regular ferry leaves Utö at 16:35. If you want to stay longer to watch all racers finish and the prize giving you can choose to take the Monday night ferry and bus back to Stockholm C at 21:30 in the evening.
The cost of the ferry and bus is 300 SEK and you can buy your travel ticket in the reception at Utö Värdshus. Please buy your ticket when you arrive Utö.
NOTE: you may not assist any teams unless if it is a medical emergency. Any other assistance will result in disqualification of the team.
There are two different chartered ferries to return to Stockholm with. One is on Monday evening at 21:30 from Utö, to a waiting bus at Årsta Brygga, which will take you to Stockholm City Terminal with an arrival time at about 23:30 on Monday night.
The second option is on Tuesday morning at 09:30 from Utö to a waiting bus at Årsta Brygga that will take you to Stockholm C. at around 11:30.
The Monday night ferry needs to be booked no later than Friday September 1st to be guaranteed a spot. It is of course free for you as a racer.
The Tuesday morning ferry does not need to be booked.
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
