What to wear

Wetsuit or Trisuit

In October the average seawater temperature in Alcudia is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. The average outside temperature in Alcudia is between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius. These are perfect Swim Run Conditions. Wetsuits (shorties) are not mandatory in our race. A trisuit will do.

SwimRun pullbuoy

A float, or pullbuoy, (no larger than 32cm x30cm x 15cm) can be used during the swims to compensate for the weight and drag of footwear. It is useful if the pulbuoy has straps so you can attach to your body when swimming and running.

When running you secure the buoy in position on the outside of the leg/thigh and then when its time to get into the water, the buoy can be swivelled into position between your legs, to keep them from sinking. 

Hand paddles

Hand paddles are allowed in swimrun events. The paddles increase the area of your hand and offer more power. However, you need to train with hand paddles because they are far more tiring to arms and upper body than using only your hands to propel you through the water.

Swim Cap

Race bibs and swim caps must be worn and should be visible at all times during a swimrun race. When training, a swim cap will stop your hair from getting into your face and also offers visibility for safety. You can wear different thicknesses of swim cap from silicone to neoprene depending on the conditions.

SwimRun footwear

Competitors wear their footwear in the water while swimming and also for running. It’s important to choose shoes that allow water to easily escape when you are back on dry land.

You will have wet feet – it’s inevitable – but the less water carried in the shoes the better. Wear footwear that is comfortable and has soles with good grip to suit the terrain, but also with uppers made of fabric that allows the water to easily get out.

For teams: a tether (aka tow rope)

Tether, one per team. This is a precaution in the case of bad weather OR becomes mandatory if you find yourself separating from your teammate during the swim.

The Swimrun tether was originally a piece of safety equipment, to keep the 2 team members together. Then a rule was introduced that said the 2 team members must always be within 10 meters of each other (about 30 feet). So the first Swimrun tethers were that long.

But now it is optional, and is used mostly during the swimming stages. In most teams, one team member will be a stronger swimmer than the other, while in the running stages they will be more equal. SO a tow rope is a great way of helping teams stay together, AND help the slower swimmer of the team. A Swimrun tow rope is also sometimes called a Swimrun Tether, a pull cord or elastic cord.