Everything you’ve ever wondered about swimrun (and then some).
Swimrun might still be the new kid on the block in Australia, but it’s picking up momentum fast, and with that comes plenty of curious questions from newcomers and seasoned multisport athletes alike.
Whether you’re just learning what swimrun even is or prepping for your next event, we’ve rounded up the most common questions we get asked about our Swimrun Australia events. Consider this your go-to reference for all things swimrun.
Is a swimrun just one swim and one run?
Nope! That’s one of the things that makes it special. Swimrun is made up of multiple swim and run legs, completed in a continuous format.
Our shortest event includes 5 legs total, and our longest has up to 23. You’re always on the move, swimming in your shoes and running in your swimwear.
What gear do I need?
At a minimum, you’ll need:
- Shoes
- Swimsuit or swim-friendly clothing
- Swim cap (we provide this)
- Race vest (we provide this)
- Whistle
Optional extras include a pull buoy, hand paddles, wetsuit, calf socks, and goggles. Just remember: whatever you bring, you carry the whole way. No transitions, no gear changes.
Check out our Swimrun Basics page for more gear tips.
Can I go hard or keep it casual?
Absolutely. We welcome both competitive athletes and cruisy adventurers. Whether you’re aiming for The Swimrun World Championship or just in it for a good time with friends, there’s a place for you on the course.
What distances are available?
Swimrun doesn’t have standardised distances like triathlon or Ironman. At Swimrun Australia, we offer four event formats:
- Stroke ‘N Stride: 1–4km
- Discovery: 5–9km
- Experience: 10–14km
- Enduro: 15–24km
Find the one that fits your fitness, your goals, or your mood.
Where can I do a swimrun?
Our events take place in some of Australia’s most beautiful locations:
- Sydney East (NSW)
- Sydney North (NSW)
- Melbourne (Vic)
- Gold Coast (Qld)
Keen to take your swimrun international? Events also run across Europe, the UK, the USA, and beyond.
How fit do I need to be?
Swimrun is built to be achievable. The variety of distances means you can ease in or go all in.
The longer courses can be challenging, but they’re broken into manageable legs, which helps. We recommend allowing 6–8 weeks of training from a solid base level of fitness.
Can I enter solo?
Yes! While swimrun started as a team sport, all our distances can now be done solo.
However, the Australian Swimrun Championship must be completed as a team of two.
Can I race solo or as a team?
Here’s how it works:
- Stroke ‘N Stride and Discovery are solo only.
- Experience and Enduro can be done solo or in a team.
If you’re racing as a team, you’ll complete every leg together, staying within 10 metres of your partner. Some teams use a tether to stay connected and motivated.
How many people are in a team?
Two. That’s the swimrun magic number. Team categories include Male, Female, and Mixed.
You both complete the full course together; no tag-outs or relays.
Can we alternate legs like a relay?
Nope. Teams must stay together from start to finish.
What if my teammate can’t continue?
If your teammate is injured or unable to go on, you’ll need to assist them to the nearest event crew. Unfortunately, you can’t continue the course solo if you entered as a team (this is a safety issue for our event safety crew).
Can I race without equipment?
Yes and no. You must wear/carry:
- Swimsuit
- Swim cap
- Race vest
- Whistle
All other gear: paddles, pull buoy, wetsuit, etc, is optional.
Can I wear fins?
No fins are allowed at Swimrun Australia events.
Do I swim in my shoes?
Yes. Always.
That’s part of the adventure, you run in your swim gear and swim in your shoes. There are no gear changes or transitions in swimrun.
Do I have to wear my swim cap on the runs?
Nope. You can remove it for the run legs, just keep it secured and ready to pop back on for the next swim.
Where do I store my whistle?
Anywhere secure; inside your swimsuit, tucked in your wetsuit, or attached to a belt.
Will my gear be checked?
Yes. We conduct random spot checks before the start, and podium finishers will need to show their gear at the end for confirmation.
Are there cut-off times?
Yes, but they’re generous and vary by event. Cut-offs apply to our Experience and Enduro courses.
If you’re concerned, get in touch before the event, we’re here to help you succeed. And if you miss a cut-off, we’ll safely redirect you to finish a short distance or support you back to the event hub.
