Dyfi SWIMRUN

02 OCT 2021
The sport of swimrun originated in the Swedish Archipelago, however an activity called "Jog and Dip" started in 1941 when Aberdyfi Outward Bound School was set up to train the Merchant Navy during World War II. Aberdyfi also became a training ground for a special troop of Army Commandos between 1942 and 1943.
To this day the Dyfi Estuary plays a big part in building resilience, teamwork and leadership skills in young people, through adventures in the wild with The Outward Bound Trust.
The Dyfi estuary is very special, now you can experience it in all it's glory.
COURSE INFO:
  • Total: 18km
  • Swim total: 3km
  • Run total: 15km
  • Longest swim: 1.2km
  • Longest run: 7km
  • Number of swims: 4
  • Number of runs: 5
  • Height gain: 320m​
Total distance is 18km with 17% swimming.
HOW IT PLAYS OUT:
  • Run 1.2km
  • Swim 650m
  • Run 5.1km
  • Swim 750m
  • Run 1.1km
  • Swim 1.2km
  • Run 7km
  • Swim 400m
  • Run 0.6km
Aid stations at 7km and 12km
Expect water temperature to be around 14 degrees Celsius. The course is subject to small changes. 
Picture
4 knots is 7.41 km/h. Photo by Mike Alexander, April 2014.
SCHEDULE
  • 11:00 - 12:15 ~ Registration
  • 12:45 ~ Race Brief
  • 13:15 ~ Race Start
  • 15:30 ~ Finish (front of the pack)
  • 17:00 ~ Finish (back of the pack)
  • 17:00 ~ Presentation
Picture
Swimming with Martin, March 2018. Photo by Will Kilgore.
COMPULSORY KIT
  • Wetsuit (suitable for swimrun)
  • Trail running shoes
  • Whistle
  • Race cup
Provided:
  • Race Bib (pick up at registration)
  • Swim Hat (pick up at registration)
Picture
Illustration of Aberdyfi by Nick Coldham
SWIM DETAIL
  •  Swim 1 - 650m:  Timed to start around low water you will swim across the mouth of the Dyfi estuary to Ynyslas and the Dyfi Nature Reserve.
  • Swim 2 - 750m: You will swim back across the mouth of the Dyfi estuary from Ynyslas to Aberdyfi beach. The flood tide will have started so you will be swimming across a slight tidal flow.
  • Swim 3 - 1200m: You'll swim from the Jetty past the village to Picnic Island - the flood tide will be assisting you. 
  • Swim 4 - 400m: The final swim is parallel to Aberdyfi beach with the tide once again on your side.
SWIMRUN WORKSHOP
If you are not quite up to speed with swimrun, or just want an opportunity to practise, learn, try gear, and have some swimrun fun in a supportive environment then check out our swimrun workshop here.
Picture
The start of the Dyfi 13km, the longest estuary swim in the UK. Photo by Dan Wyre.
​ACCOMMODATION
The Treffedian Hotel, Penhelig Hotel, Britannia Inn and The Dovey Inn offer Hotel accommodation within 5 minutes walking distance to registration. There's a number of B & B's, and Airbnb options in the village too.

Budget accommodation:
Further visitor information here aberdovey.org.uk
Picture
The Outward Bound Cutter catching the notorious Dyfi Easterly. Photo by Mike Alexander.
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