Welcome to ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

September 2nd, 2024

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.

Event Partners
Partner - Vivo Barefoot
Partner ARK
Be Wtr
Suppliers
Partner Logo Dryrobe
Maurten
Bockholmsgruppen
Destination Partners
Stockholm - Capital of Scandinavia
Utö Värdshus
Djurönäset

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: 2024-09-02
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
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

19:00-20:00
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
18:00-19:00 Dinner teams: bibs 301 - 330, 201-250, 81-100
19:00-20:00 Dinner teams: bibs 1-80
20:00-21:00 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
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Start lists for ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

Here you will find the start lists for ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship.

Qualified teams will be shown in the start list after finalizing the registration process.

Travel to ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

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.
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.

Accommodation at ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

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.

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.

Race bib distribution at ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

The race bib distribution will be at Djurönäset on Sunday, September 3rd 15:00-16:15. There will be signs to guide you when you arrive.

NEW QR-SYSTEM
Before the race, you will receive an email with your personal QR-Code. Please have your QR-Code and your ID ready to show at registration and to get your start pack.

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.

Race briefing at ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

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.

Note:

Before start we will randomly select teams and solo racers for a check of the mandatory equipment. If the athletes are missing any of the equipment required, they will not be allowed to start.

Energy stations at ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

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

We will serve water and Sports drink from Maurten at all stations, see below schedule with details about the Maurten product at each station.

Energy Schedule 2023

 

Cut offs ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

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.

Media production ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship
Media Information
Under the following link we have compiled extensive information about ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship.
Presskit
Race coverage
We will have all our feeds on our LIVE page. Find it here.
Facebook Live
On September 4th, between 05:45 – 18:20 we will have an in-depth LIVE coverage on our facebook. Please share with your friends and family.
Social Media
You will find great updates in our social media channels.
You, your friends and your families can follow here:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Hashtag
We will use the hashtag #otillo. Please do too.

If you have any newspapers, magazines or media contacts that want to write about our race please contact Media and we will provide you with 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.

Weather ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

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.

Spectator package at ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

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.

Please find the Spectator package Guide here.

 

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.

Chartered ferries

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
Race rules

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.

Mandatory equipment
We have mandatory equipment in our events for your safety, this applies to all race distances.
You can buy whistles, first-aid kits, foldable cups and soft flasks in the ÖTILLÖ Merchandise tent.
Please see the list of mandatory equipment below, this can also be found in the ÖTILLÖ Standard Swimrun rules.
3.1.1 All athletes need to bring all their equipment from start to finish.
3.1.2 Before start we will randomly select teams and solo racers for a check of the mandatory equipment. If the athletes are missing any of the equipment required, they will not be allowed to start.
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 and race bib

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 €.

GPS Tracker

We use a GPS tracker that must be worn at the back side underneath the wetsuit to make sure the signal is not blocked.

  • The GPS trackers will handed out together with the race bib.
  • After the race you need to return the GPS tracker at the finish line. Non-returned GPS tracker 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.
Safety measures
  • 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.
Cups at ÖTILLÖ Races

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.

Race course

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.

ÖTILLÖ Qualification

At all the ÖTILLÖ World Series events from the latest World Championship to the next there are nine (9) direct qualification spots available. 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.

Swimrun ranking

The top 30 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.

ÖTILLÖ Merchandise

At all our events we are offering a wide range of merchandising products e. g. Caps, T-Shirts, Hoodies, Jumper etc. As you might knowour partners are also offering Swimrun specific items and ÖTILLÖ branded goods. These can be found on our website

Our partners will be at most of our events in the event area at the finish line with products on-site.

Swimrun rescue

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.

SIPE

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!

Force Majeure

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

ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship 2023 - On course