ATHLETE GUIDE
SPONSORS
EVENT PARTNERS
SUPPORTER
Welcome
Thank you for entering Swimrun Australia: Sydney North 2024. This is only the second time we’ve raced on this course, and we’re pumped to get you out on it.
This event also hosts the 2024 Australian Swimrun Championship. The Championship is contested annually between teams in the Swimrun Long race, and this is the first time it has been raced away from its original Sydney East home.
We’re excited about the new additions to this year’s event, including a new swim location in Dobroyd Head and a jump into the water at Little Manly Point Park. We’ve also added a barefoot 2.2km Stroke ‘N Stride race at Queenscliff Beach.
Solo participants will also race Swimrun Long for the first time. Whilst this race isn’t a part of the Championship, it will surely be hotly contested.
Thanks again for your support; race safe and enjoy your adventure.
Andre Slade
Race Director
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DATE
ANNOUNCEMENT
WEATHER & COMMS
Weather
The Race Director will monitor weather and on-course conditions in the lead-up to the event.
As a rule, the event will be run rain, hail or shine.
With water conditions the largest variable, as part of the race rules, we reserve the right to remove one or more swim legs if they become unsafe.
Communications
This online Athlete Guide provides dynamic updatable information for participants.
As it can be updated in real time, participants can return for any updates in the lead-up to the event.
Follow the Swimrun Australia Facebook Page as it will also be used to provide major event updates.
VENUES
Clontarf Reserve
- SWIMRUN SHORT (Registration/Start)
- SWIMRUN LONG (Registration/Start)
Clontarf Reserve is the location for registration and the start of the Swimrun Short and Swimrun Long races.
This event site will be limited to event flags and the start line and will be packed up immediately after the final participants pass through.
There is limited parking and public transport. It is recommended that you catch an Uber/Taxi or get dropped off by friends/family.
There will be a bag drop available to transport your gear to the event hub/finish line.
Queenscliff SLSC [Event Hub]
- STROKE ‘N STRIDE (Registration/Start/Finish)
- SWIMRUN SHORT (Finish)
- SWIMRUN LONG (Finish)
The event hub is located at Queenscliff SLSC at Queenscliff Beach, Manly.
There is very limited parking around this area of Manly Beach, but it is well-serviced by public transport, including the Manly Ferry.
The finish line will be set up on the beach and there will be access to toilets and showers in the surf club and on the promenade.
Facilities
At the Event Hub, you’ll have access to the following:
- Changing rooms
- Bag drop
- Toilets
- Showers
- Water
- Fruit
- BBQ
- Merchandise
Bag Drop
Clontarf Reserve
Bags can be left by participants in a van that will transfer them to a room on the ground floor of the Queenscliff SLSC.
Queenscliff SLSC
A room will be available in the Queenscliff SLSC.
Whilst all care is taken to look after bags, full security is not provided, so you should factor this in when deciding what to bring to the event.
Spectator Locations
If you have friends and family keen to watch you race, these are the most easily accessible locations along the course.
- Clontarf Reserve (Start / Long Course Run #1)
- Dobroyd Headland (Dobroyd Scenic Drive)
- Forty Baskets Beach
- North Harbour Reserve – Hydration Station
- Manly Cove Beach / Esplanade
- Little Manly Beach – Swimrun Long only
- Queenscliff Beach (Finish)
What’s Happening at the Event Hub?
Invite your friends and drag along your family, the event hub will have plenty to entertain them.
- Coffee
- BBQ
- Music
- Race Commentary
- Official Event Merchandise
The event hub will be open from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm.
EQUIPMENT
Mandatory Participant Equipment
Supplied and worn by each participant:
- 1 swimsuit per person, suitable for running and swimming
- 1 whistle^ per person, easily accessible so you are able to use it during the swims (for sale at rego)
- 1 pair of shoes^ per person, worn at all times, including during the swims
Mandatory Equipment (Provided)
Supplied by Swimrun Australia:
- 1 race vest^ per person that must be worn and visible all the times (returned at the finish)*
- 1 tracking bracelet per person that must be worn on an ankle at all times (returned at the finish)
- 1 swim cap that must be worn on the head during all the swims (kept by the participant)
*Race vests are the property of Swimrun Australia. Under no circumstances should vests leave the event hub. The intentional cutting or permanent alteration of a vest is strictly prohibited. Participants are permitted to tie a knot in the back of the vest to reduce its size.
^Not required for Stroke ‘N Stride races.
Vests and tracking bracelets must be returned at the finish line.
A $100 fee will be charged for each vest and bracelet not returned.
For optional equipment, please see the Swimrun Basics page.
Refer to the Swimrun Australia Race Rules for official Equipment rules.
RACE RULES
This event is conducted under the Swimrun Australia Race Rules.
It is a requirement of entry that participants follow the Race Rules. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and/or the participant being asked to leave the course.
The Terms & Conditions page contains all of Swimrun Australia’s terms and conditions, including our Participant Transfers & Withdrawals and Event Modification & Cancellation policies.
This is an Aus Triathlon sanctioned event
A Triathlon NSW technical official will be present, ensuring the event is run under a policy that delivers a safe and fair event that’s accessible to everyone.
SCHEDULE
SWIMRUN SHORT/LONG
Time | Event | Location | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
6:30 AM | Registration opens | Clontarf Reserve | Registration confirmation email, ID |
7:20 AM | Registration & Bag Drop Closes | Clontarf Reserve | RACE PACK: TRACKING BRACELETS, VESTS, SWIM CAPS |
7:30 AM | Compulsory race briefing | START LINE | TEAMS READY TO RACE, COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT SPOT CHECKS |
7:45 AM | Swimrun Short Team Start* | Start Line | Swimrun Short Team Participants |
7:48 AM | Swimrun Short Solo Start* | Start Line | Swimrun Short Solo Participants |
7:51 AM | Swimrun Long Male Team Start | Start line | Swimrun Long Male Team Participants |
7:54 AM | Swimrun Long Mixed Team Start | Start Line | Swimrun Long Mixed Team Participants |
7:57 AM | Swimrun Long Female Team Start | Start Line | Swimrun Long Female Team Participants |
8:00 AM | Swimrun Long Solo Start* | Start Line | Swimrun Long Solo Participants |
9:05 AM | First Swimrun Short Finishers | Finish Line | Swimrun Short Supporters |
9:55 AM | First Swimrun Long Finishers | Finish Line | Swimrun Long Supporters |
10:30 AM | PODIUM PRESENTATION | PODIUM | Placegetters (1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category) |
STROKE ‘N STRIDE
Time | Event | Location | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
7:00 AM | Registration opens | Clontarf Reserve | Registration confirmation, ID |
8:00 AM | Registration & Bag Drop Closes | Clontarf Reserve | RACE PACK: TRACKING BRACELET, SWIM CAP |
8:10 AM | Compulsory race briefing | START LINE | PARTICIPANTS READY TO RACE |
8:15 AM | Stroke ‘N Stride Start | Start Line | Stroke ‘N Stride Participants |
9:30 AM | PODIUM PRESENTATION | PODIUM | Placegetters (1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category) |
* All categories combined into a single race start
Teams should be ready to go immediately after the Compulsory Race Briefing. All team categories may be grouped into the same start.
Start times may be changed right up until the start of each race.
Registration
Teams must check-in and register upon arrival.
No registrations will take place after the Compulsory Race Briefing.
Participants should bring the following to register:
- Entry confirmation (email/SMS)
- ID for each participant
Participants/teams will receive a Race Pack with the following items:
- Race vest/s
- Swim cap/s
- Tracking bracelet/s
Race Packs can only be collected by participants intending to race.
Presentations
Presentations will be conducted as soon as possible after all placings have crossed the finish line.
Delays may be incurred if there are any results discrepancies, especially in the 2024 Australian Swimrun Championship race (Swimrun Long Team).
We are aware that some teams may still be on the course at the time of presentation, and we reserve the right to delay the presentation if event crew resources are required elsewhere.
COURSE map
This Google Map is set to the Swimrun Long course; expand the map to select your race and view other course markings and information.
IMPORTANT: The course is not extensively marked. As an adventure race, it is the responsibility of participants to know the course and carry what they need.
Live Tracking
Participants in this event will wear a tracking bracelet, secured to the ankle. It is mandatory that both team members wear a tracking bracelet each.
Tracking bracelets are used for:
- Determining the order teams cross the finish line
- Providing real-time team positioning for safety management and cut-off determination
- Ensuring all participants are accounted for at the completion of the event.
Note: Placings in this event are determined by the position a team crosses the line, irrespective of what start wave a team started in.
Participants must not remove their tracking bracelet at any time and ensure they run as close to the checkpoint scanners as possible.
Live tracking check-points are located at:
- Clontarf Reserve (Start)
- North Harbour Reserve (Water/Aid Station)
- Esplanade Walkway (Intersection with Victoria Parade)
- Cabbage Tree Bay (Shelly > Manly walkway)
- Queenscliff SLSC (Finish)
Download GPX Files
You can import our race maps to your Garmin or other GPS device via our .gpx files.
You can import our race maps to your Garmin or other GPS device via our .gpx files.
For a how-to guide for Garmin read this article.
Downloads
- Coming soon
Garmin Events
Garmin Connect users can add this event to their calendars.
- Coming soon
On-course Hydration
Hydration Stations
Hydration Stations are provided at the following locations:
- Clontarf Reserve (Start)
- Parsley Bay
- Little Manly Beach
- Queenscliff Beach (Finish)
Public drink fountains, showers and taps are available along paths and participants are encouraged to use these to hydrate when necessary, even if it means detouring off the course a little to do so.
If you require more nutrition than is provided, this should be carried on you.
Please note: All rubbish (i.e. nutrition wrappers) must be kept on you until the finish. Littering will result in a team disqualification and the team will be asked to leave the course.
Cup-less Hydration Stations
Participants should carry their own cup or drink bottle, which can be used at hydration stations and public water taps.
Hydration Stations have fast-flow water.
Lightweight collapsible silicone cups can be purchased at registration. These 200ml reusable cups squash down flat and can fit into your pocket, clip onto a belt or be tucked into your swimsuit or wetsuit.
Finish Line Nutrition
At the finish line, participants will be provided with the following nutrition:
- Fruit (i.e. bananas, watermelon, oranges)
- Water
Toilets On-course
There are toilets at Clontarf Reserve, Queenscliff SLSC, and along the course. See the Google course map for locations.
Course Markings
Parts of the course are marked to assist in navigation.
Participants should not rely on the course markings and should know the course before starting the race.
Course markers consist of (but are not limited to):
- Ribbon, tied to poles/fences/trees
- Cones
- Pin markers
- Arrow signs
The colour of the marker will indicate whether you are on the correct or incorrect course.
Yellow markers
Yellow markers indicate the correct course direction.
Red markers
Red markers indicate the incorrect course direction. If you come across red markers, you should turn around and head in the opposite direction.
Feathered Flags
Large Swimrun Australia feathered flags will also be placed along the course, predominantly at the beginning and end of a swim leg and at race turnaround locations.
Course Modifications
It is possible that the event crew may change the course for safety and/or other reasons at any time during the race.
The course communicated in the pre-event briefing is deemed to be the official course for the event.
Once the race has got underway, if a swim leg is considered to be unsafe or if water safety is preoccupied with an emergency, one or more, or all, of the swims may be removed from the course.
In this instance, event crew will communicate this to participants and you may be asked to continue racing by skipping one or more swim legs and continuing on foot (this might be temporary or for the remainder of the event).
Unsafe water contingency
Should it be deemed necessary to remove all the swims from the event due to an unacceptable level of risk before the start of the race, a revised run-only course will become the official course.
Cut-off Times
There are technically only cut-off times for the Swimrun Long race.
Participants should be able to finish the course in 3 hours 45 minutes, with the following check-point cut-off time:
- Checkpoint 3: East Esplanade @ Victoria Street – 10:15 am
Participants in the Long race who do not make the cut-off time will be directed to complete the final stages of the Swimrun Short race via Victoria Street.
Participants in the Short race must complete the course within the 3-hour 45-minute Swimrun Long window.
Cut-off times are in place for participant and event crew safety and ensure that the event is completed within the licenced period stipulated by landowners.
Event safety, medical support and crew reserve the right to remove participants from the course at any time if it appears their safety is at risk.
The event crew, at the discretion of the Race Director, may extend the cutoff times.
How Results Are Determined
See Section 6.4 Results of the Swimrun Australia Race Rules for official rules.
Previous Splits
2023 Swimrun Long Times (All categories, Team only)
North Harbour Reserve (#2)
Fastest time – 1:00
Slowest time – 1:47
Average time – 1:26
East Esplanade @ Victoria Street (#3)
Fastest time – 1:21
Slowest time – 2:33*
Average time – 1:49
Cut-Off: 2:09
Cabbage Tree Bay – Completed Swim (#4)
Fastest time – 1:58
Slowest time – 3:59*
Average time – 2:50
Queenscliff Beach – Finish Line (#5)
Fastest time – 2:06
Slowest time – 4:23*
Average time – 3:04
*Note, these times were from the inaugural event, and are now outside the permitted race time.
2023 Swimrun Short Times (All categories, Solo/Team)
North Harbour Reserve (#2)
Fastest time – 0:49
Slowest time – 1:26
Average time – 1:02
East Esplanade @ Victoria Street (#3)
Fastest time – 1:12
Slowest time – 1:46
Average time – 1:31
Queenscliff Beach – Finish Line (#5)
Fastest time – 1:22
Slowest time – 1:59
Average time – 1:43
Note: Swimrun Long has previously only been raced in teams.
SAFETY
Swimrun Australia takes the safety of participants, event crew, and the public extremely seriously
Water Safety
Swimrun Swim Philosophy
All swim sections have comprehensive water safety. However, in order to make the swimrun course swims feel as natural and free as possible, we ask water safety to maintain visual whilst keeping back from the swim line.
This might mean that you do not obviously see the water safety at all times when you’re in the water, but be sure that they are there watching over you.
The compulsory whistle and other flotation gear, such as wetsuits and pull buoys carried by participants, aid in our ability to provide this type of coverage, and it is a key philosophy of swimrun.
Participants who feel they need support nearby at all times should race in a team, or with another solo participant.
Stroke ‘N Stride water safety will be closer and more visual.
In-water Emergencies
If you, a team member, or other participant requires assistance in the water, you should:
- Relax and stay calm
- Use any floatation equipment (i.e. pull buoy) to assist with floating
- Get the attention of other participants and/or water safety by raising your arm and continuously blowing your whistle
- Slowly get yourself to safety, if you can.
Video: How to Perform a Swimrun Rescue
Watch Swimrun Australia founder and ex-Bondi Lifeguard, Adriel Young, demonstrate how to assist your partner in the water if they require assistance.,
Personal Water Safety
Do not dive head-first into the water. All water entries must be a wade or feet first.
Shoes must be worn at all times during the race and cannot be removed for the swim leg.
Take care as you enter and exit the water over slippery surfaces, including sharp rocks, barnacles and miscellaneous items.
When swimming, be aware of underwater obstructions, tidal movements, watercraft (moving and anchored), currents, rocks, and marine life.
Water Safety Providers
Water safety is provided by Australian Event Safety Services, Northern Beaches Council Lifeguards, and Queenscliff SLSC.
General Safety
Teams
Team members must stay within 10m of each other at all times.
This includes:
- When racing (swimming and running)
- When a team member is injured and being attended to by event crew/medical support
When a team member has to retire from the race this forces the retirement of the team. One member of a team cannot race alone.
Not only is abandoning a team member inconsiderate and unsafe, but it can also cause significant concern and unnecessary issues for the Event Safety team when a participant misses checkpoints.
Use of the Whistle
Each participant must carry a whistle (no sharing between two team members).
The whistle will be used in emergencies to alert other teams, water safety, medical support, other water users, or event crew.
To attract attention, continue to blow the whistle until help arrives.
First Aid
Trained event first aid staff are provided:
- At the Event Hub
- Mobile along the course
If you or your team member require the assistance of medical support, alert the nearest event crew member who will call for assistance. Stay with this event crew member until help arrives.
Assisting Others
Participants are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.
If you are asked by an event crew member to assist in an emergency, you must stop racing and render assistance.
You must do your best to help another athlete that has been injured or who is sick.
Open Course
This event is run on an open, public course. Participants share the course with the public at all times (i.e. walkers, runners, vehicles, marine craft).
Please give the public right of way, even if it means slowing down or stopping to do so.
Race Safety
Participants must:
- Know, understand and follow all race rules and attend all participant briefings
- Not run on the road, take all caution when crossing a road, and always follow the road and traffic rules
- Follow instructions from event crew
- Obey laws and local regulations
- Inform an event crew member promptly after withdrawing from the race.
Delivering environmentally-friendly events
Swimrun Australia strives to deliver events that have the least possible impact on the locations we race in.
Procurement & Packaging
We only purchase what we need and don’t use plastic packaging
Minimal Consumerables
Event merchandise is chosen to ensure the greatest lifetime use
Reusable Vests
Participant race vests are washed and re-used for every event
Cup-less Aid Stations
We don’t provide single-use paper cups and promote reusable cups
Operations
Reusable ties are used to secure banners instead of cable ties
Reusable Swim Caps
Swim caps are not dated and can be reused at the next event
Did you know? We generate less than two bags fill of rubbish at each event!
