ÖTILLÖ, THE SWIMRUN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
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 is considered to be one of the most prestigeous endurance races in the world.
welcome to Stockholm
Stockholm is a city full of energy, where something exciting happens every day. From world-class events and fascinating exhibitions to stunning performances, guided tours, and unforgettable concerts, there’s always something to discover. Enjoy a vibrant mix of cafes, restaurants, and unique shopping experiences. Outside the city, the beautiful archipelago offers serene islands and breathtaking nature – the perfect escape. Whether you’re exploring historical sites, enjoying a meal, or relaxing, Stockholm has it all. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or great food and drinks, Stockholm has something for everyone.
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participation
ÖTILLÖ is the original Swimrun race and is recognized as The Swimrun World Championship. You can only participate as a team. The teams swim between 24 islands and run across them. The total distance is 70 kilometers, of which 9 kilometers are open-water swimming and 61 kilometers are trail running. To participate, you must qualify by collecting points in the Swimrun Ranking. However, each year we award a few WILD CARDS to newcomers or athletes without points. If you are interested in a WILD CARD, please send your application, along with detailed documentation of your capacity as a Swimrunner, to [email protected].
hOW IT BEGUN
ÖTILLÖ, one of the pioneering events in the world of Swimrun, had its humble beginnings in 2002. Four friends, inspired by a bet, decided to challenge themselves by traversing the Stockholm Archipelago from the island of Utö to Sandhamn using a combination of swimming and running. The idea was to race in pairs, navigating the rugged landscapes and open waters, with the first team to reach Sandhamn declared the winner. “Last team of two to Sandhamn pays for hotel, dinner and drinks”. The name ÖTILLÖ, derived from the Swedish words “ö” (island) and “till” (to), perfectly encapsulates the essence of the sport – a journey from island to island. Since its inception, ÖTILLÖ has grown into a series of races, attracting athletes from various disciplines and backgrounds to partake in the challenging yet exhilarating Swimrun experience.
tHE COURSE
The ÖTILLÖ course is a demanding and iconic route that winds its way through the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, encompassing a total distance of approximately 70 kilometers. Participants traverse over 24 islands, tackling a mix of challenging terrains, from rocky trails and dense forests to open water swims with multiple transitions between land and water throughout the race.
The start at Sandhamn is mythical and the finish at Utö Värdshus on Utö is like coming to Nirvana.
In its early years, the ÖTILLÖ course winning time was around 26 hours, showcasing the formidable challenge posed by the combination of swimming and running through the rugged Stockholm Archipelago. As the sport of Swimrun evolved, elite teams and athletes progressively optimized their strategies and fitness levels, leading to faster winning times, with some of the top teams completing the course in approximately 7 hours in recent editions.
tHE cHAMPIONS
The winners of ÖTILLÖ over the years have included an impressive array of elite endurance athletes and Swimrun specialists. Teams hailing from various countries have claimed victory, showcasing the international appeal of the race, and the competition has been marked by intense battles, strategic prowess, and remarkable displays of endurance, making ÖTILLÖ a celebrated and most prestigious event in the world of Swimrun.
Around stockholm archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago is a stunning cluster of over 30,000 islands and islets situated in the Baltic Sea, just east of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The archipelago spans a vast area, offering a diverse landscape of rocky cliffs, lush forests, and serene waterways. It is a popular destination for boating, sailing, and outdoor activities, and it is the birthplace of Swimrun.
customer reviews
Here’s what our participants have to say about ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship.
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