Fancy island hopping in Norway? Xterra launches Swimrun

Tough new event promises 50km of trail running and 8km of swimming

Published: February 11, 2014 at 12:00 pm

(Image: Algkalv)

We've seen the OtillO race in Sweden, now off-road race specialists Xterra are launching their own island-hopping race in Norway this summer, which finishes at the dramatic-sounding World's End.

While Jack Sparrow is unlikely to make an appearance on 23 August, participants can expect a total of 50km of trail running and 8km of open-water swimming between 20 islands, with the top teams expected to finish in six to seven hours.

“The race starts at Ringhaugstranda and ends at World’s End, the southernmost tip of the island of Tjørne,” said event director Steen Aagaard Walter. “Every time you get to a new island, you run over it and swim to the next island. The longest swim stage is 1,200m and the longest run stage is 8km.

“It’ll be tough, that’s for sure,” he added. “Rocks, forest paths and open water with waves and currents make the course very challenging. In return, it is extremely beautiful.”

More info at www.xterraswimrun.com.