2023
Fenland Runner Sales Events
Fenland Runner are looking forward to supporting our friends and event partners in 2023.
See you all on the start line!
JUN
Sat 10th / Sun 12th - As Keen As Mustard Events, Nene Park Festival, Peterborough
JUL
Sun 2nd - As Keen As Mustard Swimrun, Grafham Water, Huntingdon
SEPT
Sun 17th - As Keen As Mustard Swimrun, Bewl Water, Kent
OCT
Sun 1st - As Keen As Mustard Nene Park Survivor, Peteborough
See you all on the start line!
JUN
Sat 10th / Sun 12th - As Keen As Mustard Events, Nene Park Festival, Peterborough
JUL
Sun 2nd - As Keen As Mustard Swimrun, Grafham Water, Huntingdon
SEPT
Sun 17th - As Keen As Mustard Swimrun, Bewl Water, Kent
OCT
Sun 1st - As Keen As Mustard Nene Park Survivor, Peteborough
BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SWIMRUN
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May, 2020
By John Ovenden, proprietor of swimrun specialist retailer www.fenlandrunner.com. Experienced in the sports trade from sales and marketing positions with Reebok, New Balance and Ronhill. Former top class backstroker in the pool and steeplechaser on the track. 1) Similar to how triathlon started in Hawaii over a drunken bet, swimrun originated in 2002 by a few friends challenging each other to swim and run past different restaurants based on the Stockholm archipelago. By 2006 two Swedes Michael Lemmel and Mats Skort had formalised a commercial race and named it Otillo (island to island). More history can be found here. 2) Swimrun is a really suitable competition for open water swimmers and trail runners who are interested in a new challenge, or for those experienced in aquathlon, biathle or triathlon. Especially anyone who struggles to race on a bike. There are an increasing number of events now around the world and in UK including Otillo, Breca, Head Swimrun Series, Madhatter Hokey Cokey, Loveswimrun, As Keen As Mustard. 3) Distances for swimrun races vary from 5K up to 75K with multiple sections of open water swimming and multi-terrain running. For those new to the sport, I suggest try a shorter distance for your first attempt, and you can compete solo. For the longer races, you will need to find a suitable partner due to safety regulations. Full event listings can be found in the new swimrun supplement in Outdoor Swimmer Magazine. |
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4) All the equipment that a participant starts with has to be carried all the way to the finish line, meaning swimming in shoes and running in a wetsuit. There are mandatory items that you must have - for the shorter distances this will be a whistle and a collapsible cup, due to safety and environmental reasons. A waterproof first aid kit is an essential for longer races.
5) For you first swimrun, I suggest you try to borrow a swimrun wetsuit from a friend, or if you have an old triathlon wetsuit you could cut the legs and arms to make them shorter to accommodate easier running.
If the water is warm enough, you could get away with a trisuit but you will need to check for race director approval.
At races where Fenland Runner are the event retailer, we will lend a pre-booked swimrun wetsuit to first timers on the day (subject to size availability).
6) Once you have enjoyed your first race and decide to carry on swimrunning, then that is the time to buy a specific swimrun wetsuit,
which has a zip down the front for easy ventilation when running, pockets for carrying essential items, and variable neoprene thickness to accommodate both running and swimming.
Fenland Runner recommends the HEAD Swimrun Rough Shorty (Mens/Womens) as a starter wetsuit, which we consider to be a well thought out design at a competitive price, developed by the respected swimrun expert Stefan Sponer and his team.
7) As to shoes, again my advice is to originally stick to your already owned favourite trail shoes if rugged grip needed on mud or rocks,
or even road shoes with mesh uppers if the weather has been dry and there is a lot of asphalt on the course.
Do NOT drill through the soles to apparently let water out – this will just weaken the midsole and shorten the stability life of your shoes.
Water will eventually drain from your shoes naturally as you start to run.
5) For you first swimrun, I suggest you try to borrow a swimrun wetsuit from a friend, or if you have an old triathlon wetsuit you could cut the legs and arms to make them shorter to accommodate easier running.
If the water is warm enough, you could get away with a trisuit but you will need to check for race director approval.
At races where Fenland Runner are the event retailer, we will lend a pre-booked swimrun wetsuit to first timers on the day (subject to size availability).
6) Once you have enjoyed your first race and decide to carry on swimrunning, then that is the time to buy a specific swimrun wetsuit,
which has a zip down the front for easy ventilation when running, pockets for carrying essential items, and variable neoprene thickness to accommodate both running and swimming.
Fenland Runner recommends the HEAD Swimrun Rough Shorty (Mens/Womens) as a starter wetsuit, which we consider to be a well thought out design at a competitive price, developed by the respected swimrun expert Stefan Sponer and his team.
7) As to shoes, again my advice is to originally stick to your already owned favourite trail shoes if rugged grip needed on mud or rocks,
or even road shoes with mesh uppers if the weather has been dry and there is a lot of asphalt on the course.
Do NOT drill through the soles to apparently let water out – this will just weaken the midsole and shorten the stability life of your shoes.
Water will eventually drain from your shoes naturally as you start to run.
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8) I suggest you should wear a wool sock which dries quickly, and we recommend the GOCOCO brand from Sweden, who are an associated partner of the Otillo World Series.
My favourite swimrun shoes are from the Spanish outdoor brand ORIOCX, which offers two styles with great grip and drainage systems at competitive prices. Both brands are sold in the UK by www.fenlandrunner.com 9) If you are doing a shorter distance swimrun, then I suggest you consider putting floatation aids under compression calf sleeves to give your legs more buoyancy in your shoes and allow you to still kick. If you want to swim a bit of breaststroke, this is not easy if you have a pullbuoy between your legs, and carrying a pullbuoy when running needs some practice. However, for longer distances the use of a pullbuoy is essential to be able to rest your legs whilst swimming. 10) There is other equipment to consider as you progress, and in my opinion the Danish brand SWIMRUNNERS, founded by experienced swimrunners Maj-Britt Klok and Soren Engholm, offers all you will need, stocked by Fenland Runner in the UK. Hand paddles are a serious consideration but you must build up usage starting with the smaller ones or you will get shoulder problems. When you want to start competing as a pair, you will need to find the right partner both mentally and physically, and also get used to wearing a pull cord. 11) If, like I have experienced, you come out of the water feeling a little dizzy, going from horizontal to vertical, then remember to really kick your feet hard over the last few meters in the water to better circulate your blood, keep you head up as you come out of the water, flip your goggles on to the top of your cap immediately, and look forward to stabilise yourself. 12) As you approach the next water entrance, remember to do up your front wetsuit zip and put on goggles again as so easy to forget when hectic. Also be careful if you scale down rocks on your backside that you do not snick your neoprene. In addition, please do not litter gel wrappers. In the swim, I suggest you look up from time to time or do some breaststroke to orientate yourself that you are still in line with the exit flag. If for any reason you do get into trouble in the water, shout at your nearest competitor for assistance or float on you back and whistle/wave for help. |
13) The swimrun community is about enjoying activeness in an outdoor environment, and I have found it is full of friendly people, willing to give advice.
For example, coach Jude Palmer of Run Surrey Hills is busting with knowledge and enthusiasm if you have a question about swimrun.
Swimrun UK forum and Swimrun International Community facebook pages contain a goldmine of information and contacts.
As Keen As Mustard Events race directors Nicky and Chelsey put on training sessions and kit trials at the start of the season.
14) Fenland Runner has been involved in the development of swimrun in the UK from early days.
Proprietor John met Otillo finalist Naomi Shinkins at one of the first races in the UK a few years ago at Eton Dorney rowing lake,
and she has been the chief tester of all swimrun orientated equipment that John has been able to source.
FR also supports current British Mixed Sprint Champions Piers and Claire Vallance, and sponsors the grassroots 5K series of races by As Keen As Mustard.
Fenland Runners' full range of swimrun equipment can be found here.
For example, coach Jude Palmer of Run Surrey Hills is busting with knowledge and enthusiasm if you have a question about swimrun.
Swimrun UK forum and Swimrun International Community facebook pages contain a goldmine of information and contacts.
As Keen As Mustard Events race directors Nicky and Chelsey put on training sessions and kit trials at the start of the season.
14) Fenland Runner has been involved in the development of swimrun in the UK from early days.
Proprietor John met Otillo finalist Naomi Shinkins at one of the first races in the UK a few years ago at Eton Dorney rowing lake,
and she has been the chief tester of all swimrun orientated equipment that John has been able to source.
FR also supports current British Mixed Sprint Champions Piers and Claire Vallance, and sponsors the grassroots 5K series of races by As Keen As Mustard.
Fenland Runners' full range of swimrun equipment can be found here.
SIMPLIFIED KIT GUIDE FOR SWIMRUN
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9th Jan 2021: Notes from FR John for selecting the right equipment for your ability level.
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"NEWBIE" - 5K
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"ENTHUSIAST" - 10K
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"EXPERIENCED" - 21K-40K
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"ELITE" - 40K-70K
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Check out swimrun specialist www.fenlandrunner.com
for popular brands SWIMRUNNERS equipment, HEAD wetsuits, GOCOCO socks, ORIOCX shoes.
for popular brands SWIMRUNNERS equipment, HEAD wetsuits, GOCOCO socks, ORIOCX shoes.
A DAY AT THE RACES by Claire Vallance
(With husband Piers, they are ranked no 1 mixed pair in the UK)
As Keen As Mustard SwimRun Grafham Water
June 2021
There was a buzz in the air from the word go. One of the best parts of SwimRun is the camaraderie, chatty start, familiar faces and the support everyone gives to each other. The air temperature was distinctly mild and the water temperature had a tropical feel of 18 degrees.
Grafham Water, was the third race in the Head/Fenland Runner Series, the first two being Box End (Bedford) and Nene Park (Peterborough). So far, we have raced all 3 of the 21km races (there are shorter 5km and 10km race options) and we have learnt that the course designers (Nicky and Chelsea Bailey) know how to make SwimRun courses challenging, fun & interesting – no lapped courses or boring, flat, hard packed surfaces in sight! The Grafham Water 21km course has a total of 12 swims and 12 runs so a fair few transitions and as a result the organisers need many more marshals and kayakers than would be required for a lapped course – this demonstrates the importance AKA Mustard organisers place on the race experience for the racer being top priority. Big thanks to all the marshals.
SwimRun is all about getting outdoors, enjoying the countryside, running on multi terrain, swimming in open water and being in synergy with nature rather than battling it out and tracking pace times. Traditional SwimRuns work in pairs and the added dynamic of working with a teammate and sharing the experience with each other’s strengths/weaknesses/ups and down during the competition adds to the spirit and ‘specialness’ of SwimRun. However, finding a teammate can be problematic and As Keen As Mustard offer solo options which helps you get started and potentially find a teammate.
The 21 km race started with a short run, with a jump over a ditch for good measure before the first swim. A nice easy swim entry and a flat swim in the clear waters of the reservoir lake, led us all into a false sense of security that this might be an easy race! It was a rolling start and the super speedy Alan Scott was at the front, where he stayed for the most of the race along with super strong Davide Molinario. It is great racing all together – but not so great when the two mentioned superstars take you off course for an extra long swim, missing the swim exit and therefore adding in an extra run – at least the surroundings were beautiful! That’ll teach us for following blindly! The marshals were a little surprised and confused at our basic errors (the course was well marked) but were super at redirecting us back on track where we then met and raced with Hugo Mota. Being a pair, we choose to ‘bungee’ together which takes some practice but is especially useful is the swim when the person behind gets the full draft effect. Hugo, Piers and I had a little chat on the course and Hugo was keen to attach to the bungee – we kindly offered but only if he attached at the front! He was less keen on this option!
We soon settled into the swim, run, swim, run repeat mode enjoying the variety and settling into our rhythm. At each transition, the marshals offer encouragement and guidance and it is great to chat with so many people on the course. The trails were multi terrain and took us around the huge reservoir, through ‘jungle’, woodland trails, wetlands and reedbeds and grass land. It really is a gorgeous nature reserve. Some of trails were muddy in places with a few obstacles added into the adventure and there was a short swim/wade section through the wetlands. It was super stunning. The swims started off picturesque in calm waters, it was almost like swimming in the Mediterranean. However, this soon changed, once we were on the far side, past some of the sheltered bays and the water was decidedly choppy. We shortened our stroke as we adapted to the conditions and powered through the waves (Or so I like to think!) The waves were playful and did rip my paddle from my hand a couple of times but this adds to the SwimRun adventure. There were some tricky, short, rocky and steep swim entry and exits which adds a little excitement into the mix. It’s very handy to have a teammate on these sections to hang on to! The mix of short (300m) and longer runs (6km) keeps you on your toes and makes the whole escapade motivating. You never know quite was is coming next and time literally flies! 2 hours 22 minutes later, and I didn’t look at my watch once and we were crossing the finish line together. It’s exhilarating finishing races but working as a pair you get to share this experience with your teammate.
SwimRun is for everyone and I would encourage all to have a go whether you are a novice or an experienced athlete. As long as you have swum open water and enjoy trail running you will literally fall in love with SwimRun! The other venues for Mustard races are Manvers Lakes Rotherham and Spring Lakes Nottingham.
The question that is asked the most is what kit to wear. Fenland Runner are the UK specialist stockist of SwimRun equipment and John Ovenden is extremely knowledgeable and present at all the races. The easy answer, is wear what kit you have and is comfortable.
The most important kit is the wetsuit, trainers and goggles and if you have these you are good to go. You can use your normal swim wetsuit to start off with. However, if you do become hooked, you will notice the benefits of a specialist SwimRun suit (easier to run, more comfy, front zip - helps you breathe on the run and ventilate.) Other SwimRun equipment such as paddles, socks, pull buoys may become added extras. All the kit we wore is available at Fenland Runner. My only advice is be careful with the use of paddles. Start small and practise first if you do choose to use them.
There was a buzz in the air from the word go. One of the best parts of SwimRun is the camaraderie, chatty start, familiar faces and the support everyone gives to each other. The air temperature was distinctly mild and the water temperature had a tropical feel of 18 degrees.
Grafham Water, was the third race in the Head/Fenland Runner Series, the first two being Box End (Bedford) and Nene Park (Peterborough). So far, we have raced all 3 of the 21km races (there are shorter 5km and 10km race options) and we have learnt that the course designers (Nicky and Chelsea Bailey) know how to make SwimRun courses challenging, fun & interesting – no lapped courses or boring, flat, hard packed surfaces in sight! The Grafham Water 21km course has a total of 12 swims and 12 runs so a fair few transitions and as a result the organisers need many more marshals and kayakers than would be required for a lapped course – this demonstrates the importance AKA Mustard organisers place on the race experience for the racer being top priority. Big thanks to all the marshals.
SwimRun is all about getting outdoors, enjoying the countryside, running on multi terrain, swimming in open water and being in synergy with nature rather than battling it out and tracking pace times. Traditional SwimRuns work in pairs and the added dynamic of working with a teammate and sharing the experience with each other’s strengths/weaknesses/ups and down during the competition adds to the spirit and ‘specialness’ of SwimRun. However, finding a teammate can be problematic and As Keen As Mustard offer solo options which helps you get started and potentially find a teammate.
The 21 km race started with a short run, with a jump over a ditch for good measure before the first swim. A nice easy swim entry and a flat swim in the clear waters of the reservoir lake, led us all into a false sense of security that this might be an easy race! It was a rolling start and the super speedy Alan Scott was at the front, where he stayed for the most of the race along with super strong Davide Molinario. It is great racing all together – but not so great when the two mentioned superstars take you off course for an extra long swim, missing the swim exit and therefore adding in an extra run – at least the surroundings were beautiful! That’ll teach us for following blindly! The marshals were a little surprised and confused at our basic errors (the course was well marked) but were super at redirecting us back on track where we then met and raced with Hugo Mota. Being a pair, we choose to ‘bungee’ together which takes some practice but is especially useful is the swim when the person behind gets the full draft effect. Hugo, Piers and I had a little chat on the course and Hugo was keen to attach to the bungee – we kindly offered but only if he attached at the front! He was less keen on this option!
We soon settled into the swim, run, swim, run repeat mode enjoying the variety and settling into our rhythm. At each transition, the marshals offer encouragement and guidance and it is great to chat with so many people on the course. The trails were multi terrain and took us around the huge reservoir, through ‘jungle’, woodland trails, wetlands and reedbeds and grass land. It really is a gorgeous nature reserve. Some of trails were muddy in places with a few obstacles added into the adventure and there was a short swim/wade section through the wetlands. It was super stunning. The swims started off picturesque in calm waters, it was almost like swimming in the Mediterranean. However, this soon changed, once we were on the far side, past some of the sheltered bays and the water was decidedly choppy. We shortened our stroke as we adapted to the conditions and powered through the waves (Or so I like to think!) The waves were playful and did rip my paddle from my hand a couple of times but this adds to the SwimRun adventure. There were some tricky, short, rocky and steep swim entry and exits which adds a little excitement into the mix. It’s very handy to have a teammate on these sections to hang on to! The mix of short (300m) and longer runs (6km) keeps you on your toes and makes the whole escapade motivating. You never know quite was is coming next and time literally flies! 2 hours 22 minutes later, and I didn’t look at my watch once and we were crossing the finish line together. It’s exhilarating finishing races but working as a pair you get to share this experience with your teammate.
SwimRun is for everyone and I would encourage all to have a go whether you are a novice or an experienced athlete. As long as you have swum open water and enjoy trail running you will literally fall in love with SwimRun! The other venues for Mustard races are Manvers Lakes Rotherham and Spring Lakes Nottingham.
The question that is asked the most is what kit to wear. Fenland Runner are the UK specialist stockist of SwimRun equipment and John Ovenden is extremely knowledgeable and present at all the races. The easy answer, is wear what kit you have and is comfortable.
The most important kit is the wetsuit, trainers and goggles and if you have these you are good to go. You can use your normal swim wetsuit to start off with. However, if you do become hooked, you will notice the benefits of a specialist SwimRun suit (easier to run, more comfy, front zip - helps you breathe on the run and ventilate.) Other SwimRun equipment such as paddles, socks, pull buoys may become added extras. All the kit we wore is available at Fenland Runner. My only advice is be careful with the use of paddles. Start small and practise first if you do choose to use them.
Our kit:
Wetsuit
Head Aero SwimRun Suit (ultra-flexible on the shoulders).
The Head Shorty would be a great cheaper alternative. I cut the arms to just above the elbow and legs to just above the knees.
Head MyBoost Pro SL (sleeveless) This has added buoyancy.
Bra
Head Swim Run Bra with Pocket – this is awesome to stuff gels, Nutrinovex bars or the Hydrapak cup in.
Goggles
Head Tiger Race – super soft and comfy around the eye socket and don’t steam up between swim and runs (although I do put anti fog on just in case before a race)
Trainers
VJ XTRM (light, drain water super-fast and have amazing grip)
Socks
GoCoco long compression socks – game changer for endurance racing and long socks give the added benefit of protection from rocks/brambles etc.
Paddles
Head paddles (Small for Claire, Medium for Piers)
Pull Buoy – we tie ours around our waist rather than attached around the leg
SwimRunners Piraya (Piers benefits from the extra buoyancy)
SwimRunners Pull Buoy
Belt
Swimrunners Support Light Belt
Elastic Cord Support
Bonus
The Hydrapak Speedcup is useful to tuck in the wetsuit for use at aid stations.
Head Aero SwimRun Suit (ultra-flexible on the shoulders).
The Head Shorty would be a great cheaper alternative. I cut the arms to just above the elbow and legs to just above the knees.
Head MyBoost Pro SL (sleeveless) This has added buoyancy.
Bra
Head Swim Run Bra with Pocket – this is awesome to stuff gels, Nutrinovex bars or the Hydrapak cup in.
Goggles
Head Tiger Race – super soft and comfy around the eye socket and don’t steam up between swim and runs (although I do put anti fog on just in case before a race)
Trainers
VJ XTRM (light, drain water super-fast and have amazing grip)
Socks
GoCoco long compression socks – game changer for endurance racing and long socks give the added benefit of protection from rocks/brambles etc.
Paddles
Head paddles (Small for Claire, Medium for Piers)
Pull Buoy – we tie ours around our waist rather than attached around the leg
SwimRunners Piraya (Piers benefits from the extra buoyancy)
SwimRunners Pull Buoy
Belt
Swimrunners Support Light Belt
Elastic Cord Support
Bonus
The Hydrapak Speedcup is useful to tuck in the wetsuit for use at aid stations.