Breca Swimrun race series to return to UK this September
Under a new owner, the Breca Swimrun race series will return to UK this September with a first event planned for Liverpool
The swimrun race series Breca will be returning to the UK this year, with a first race planned for September in Liverpool, after being bought by swimrunner Jonathan Littlewood.
Originally launching its first race in the UK in 2015, Breca was a leading name in the swimrun industry and one of the largest swimrun events companies in the world, with races across the UK including the Lake District, Wales and Jersey and overseas in New Zealand and Canada. The brand went into liquidation in December 2022 and all races were cancelled.
Littlewood acquired the brand assets from liquidators to form a new business. Having competed in many different swimrun events over the years, he has been a podium finisher, both as a solo athlete and as part of a proud and winning team.
Commenting on the relaunch, he said: “Ever since I competed in my first swimrun event, I completely fell in love with the sport and have since enjoyed being part of a vibrant, passionate, and growing community of people both UK and worldwide.
“As like all other Breca race participants, I was gutted to hear that the brand had folded in late 2022, but having owned and built multiple businesses, I felt as though I could not only save but also rebuild the brand.
“I am delighted to unveil the relaunch of Breca and as a dedicated swimrun super fan, want to reassure the swimrun community that I am 100% committed to the future of the sport and cannot wait to host our first race this September – particularly as it will be in an entirely new and exciting format, so watch this space.”
Whereas Breca originally was known for races in wild places, the first Breca race for this year scheduled for September 2023 in Princes’ Dock Liverpool takes quite a different direction. It will enable participants to compete over a 2-kilometre course, with two swims totalling 400m and three runs totalling 1.6km.
The hope is that the race should appeal to anyone who wants to try swimrun for the first time or competitive athletes who like the idea of a fast and furious event. Prices are yet to be confirmed for entries.
Participants can also expect a number of heats and a final, plus a parent and child team event, together with plenty of action for spectators. “I believe we’ve created a race format that’s high-energy and exciting for participants and spectators alike, while also being a great introduction to Swimrun for first timers of almost any age,” says Littlewood. “What’s more, any free or discounted race passes issued to participants as prizes by Breca in the past that haven’t been used, will be honoured for this event.”
For more information, visit the Breca Swimrun website.
Helen Webster
Editor, 220 Triathlon 
