Revealing The World's Top Ultra Swim Races: The Ultimate Challenge
If the idea of a challenging yet rewarding endeavour in the vast expanse of open waters appeals to your adventurous spirit, then you're in the right place. We're here to pull back the curtain on the world's top ultra swim races - the pinnacle of aquatic challenges that push both physical resilience and mental tenacity to their limits.
These races aren't just about leisurely swimming at your neighbourhood pool; they encompass a diverse range of open water challenges taking places in seas and oceans. Whether you're an accomplished long-distance swimmer, a fitness enthusiast on the hunt for a unique test, or simply a curious reader, intrigued by the audacious individuals who venture into these ambitious swims, prepare to embark on an enlightening journey. Ready to dip your toes into something different?
- Rottnest Swim, Australia
Location: Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island, Australia
Date: February 24, 2024
Distance: 19.7km swim
Level of difficulty: 4/5 – It's a hefty swim but the Aussie spirit keeps you going!
Why it’s on our list: An iconic open water swim offering both a serious challenge and breathtaking scenery.
In the land of the 'Great Barrier Reef', they surely know how to organise an exceptional swim event. Welcome to the Rottnest Swim, a journey from the stunning Cottesloe Beach to the picturesque Rottnest Island, a race that has been a beloved Australian tradition for more than six decades.
Run with as much precision as a well-timed cricket match, the race begins as the sun peeks over the horizon, casting the Indian Ocean in a magical light. The 19.7km stretch of the swim isn't just a physical endeavour, it's a testament to the Aussie spirit of camaraderie, with teams and solo swimmers buoyed by the cheers from support boats along the route.
The grand finale is, of course, the arrival on the scenic shores of Rottnest Island. With the sand between your toes and the cheer of the crowd in your ears, the sense of achievement is truly unparalleled.
- Otillo Swimrun Sweden
Location: Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Date: September 5, 2023
Distance: 75km total (10km swim, 65km trail run, including scrambling in and out of the freezing waters)
Level of difficulty: 4.5/5 – A high endurance feat, not for the faint-hearted.
Why it’s on our list: A breathtaking adventure of swimming and running through a scenic paradise.
The enchanting Stockholm Archipelago sets the stage for the world-famous Otillo Swimrun, an endurance challenge that has gained international acclaim over the past few years. Otillo, meaning "island to island", perfectly describes the very essence of this race.
Thanks to meticulous organisation, the race is executed with supreme precision. The course begins with a 1.7km swim in the Baltic Sea, followed by a trail run across the beautiful landscapes of this Swedish haven. Participants swim between and run across 26 islands, a truly unique experience in the realm of ultra-distance races.
One of the highlights is the final 20km run across the island of Orno, renowned for its stunning beauty and diverse terrain. The finish line awaits in the charming village of Uto, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
- Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Norway
Location: Eidfjord to Gaustatoppen, Norway
Date: August 5, 2023
Distance: Full Iron distance (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run)
Level of difficulty: 5/5 – An exhilarating trial for only the bravest and hardiest athletes.
Why it’s on our list: Renowned as the hardest triathlon swim in the world.
Imagine testing your limits amidst the awe-inspiring fjords and majestic mountains of Norway. The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon makes this dream a reality, offering athletes an extraordinary race like no other. It's more than an Ironman; it's an endurance spectacle set against the dramatic backdrop of the Norwegian landscape.
The Norseman Xtreme features the standard Ironman swim length of 3.8km. But the challenge goes beyond mere distance: athletes plunge 3.5m from a ferry into waters barely touching 14°C. And yes, once they've tackled the icy swim, there's a mere 222km left to conquer by bike and foot, with a daunting 4,570m of elevation gain. Yet, the sheer thrill of the swimming leg alone justifies the hours of preparation and pushes through the discomfort.
- Morocco Swim Trek, Sahara Desert
Location: Sahara Desert, Morocco
Date: November 13, 2023
Distance: 6 days of swimming (total distance varies)
Level of difficulty: 3/5 – A unique test of endurance in an extraordinary setting.
Why it’s on our list: Mark this one down as a proper adventure. Interestingly, this swim race unfolds in the Sahara Desert, in the city of Dakhla along the Atlantic coast. It is a multi-stage race, akin to the renowned (and somewhat notorious) Marathon des Sables that graces the same country. Over six days competitors will battle races of 6.5km, 8.5km, 10km and 5km, with events taking place on different swim courses, with different starting lines, each day.
In essence, participants must not only deal with the searing desert heat and maintain their race-readiness across several days, but also face the intriguing unknown of where each day's race will commence until they're on the spot - a challenge that tests mental fortitude as much as physical endurance. The winner is the swimmer (be they amateur or pro) with the fastest combined time.
- Vidösternsimmet, Tånnö, Sweden
Location: Tånnö, Sweden
Date: August 19, 2023
Distance: 21.5km swim
Level of difficulty: 4/5 – A lengthy swim in open waters, calling for stamina and determination.
Why it’s on our list: Sweden's longest and toughest open water swim race.
Welcome to the northern lands, where Sweden proudly hosts Vidösternsimmet, the country's longest open-water swim competition. Set in the idyllic town of Tånnö, this event is far more than a long-distance swim; it's an endurance test that has steadily gained a reputation amongst aquatic athletes around the world.
Organised with the precision of a finely-tuned Swiss watch, yet boasting the Swedish charm, the race involves a 21.5km swim in the vast expanse of Lake Vidöstern. The challenge lies not just in the distance, but in the unpredictable conditions of open water swimming, making each stroke a testament to the swimmer's resilience.
- Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, Florida Keys, Florida
Location: Islamorada, Florida Keys, Florida
Date: September 14, 2023
Distance: 8 miles (12.9km) swim
Level of difficulty: 3/5 – A challenging swim in open waters, infused with Floridian charm.
Why it’s on our list: A unique swim event that takes participants on a memorable journey to a historic lighthouse.
In the sun-kissed settings of Florida Keys, the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse presents a unique aquatic adventure, inviting swimmers to take on a picturesque route to a historic beacon. This isn't just about completing the 8-mile (12.8 km) swim; it's about relishing the journey through the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys.
While there are probably no real alligators swirling around your feet, you might share the water with some tiny sharks that help to spice up the race. Several decades ago, the artist “Lighthouse Larry” had swum out to the lighthouse all by himself and everyone thought he was crazy. Now, this has become a yearly event that hundreds of courageous swimmers participate in.
- Waikiki Roughwater Swim, USA
Location: Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii
Date: September 1, 2023
Distance: 2.384 miles (3.84 km) swim
Level of difficulty: 3/5 – An engaging yet challenging open-water swim nestled in the captivating landscapes of Waikiki.
Why it’s on our list: A prestigious swim event taking place at the iconic Waikiki Beach, which has been a magnet for swimmers since its inception in 1970. The race starts at Sans Souci beach in the shadow of Diamond Head and finishing at Duke Kahanamoku Beach.
While not as long as other ultra-swim races (it's a 2.4-mile/3.8 km swim), it's known for its challenging conditions and makes up the swimming leg of the Ironman World Championship triathlon.
So, are you ready to dive into the captivating world of ultra-swim races? However, please remember to approach them with the necessary preparation and a sprinkle of lightheartedness. Open water swimming, with its thrilling challenges, calls for respect for the elements and a solid foundation of skills and training.
Before taking the plunge into any ultra swim race, ensure you have the experience, endurance, and familiarity with safety protocols. Enhance your swimming abilities, adapt to the ever-changing waters, and seek guidance from experienced coaches or fellow water enthusiasts.
With the right mindset, a touch of playful spirit, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of open-water swimming, you'll embark on an extraordinary aquatic journey. Good luck and see you inside the water!
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