Scilly Swimrun

Swimrun in Paradise!

5 Events | 4 Days | 3 Races | Up to 10 islands in a day!

Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 August 2025

Scilly Swimrun 2025.

Scilly60 Events in partnership with Visit Isles of Scilly is proud to be bringing the beautiful sport of Swimrun back to the Isles of Scilly with another full weekend of events catering for all abilities.

Participants will experience spectacular scenery as they make their way under their own power over the land and sea that make up the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the Isles of Scilly.

The Scilly Swimrun is the grand finale weekend of the annual Ocean Scilly Festival.

Swimrun was discovered on Scilly in 2015 by Roland Kelly, Otillo brought the course to life and now Scilly60 has helped it evolve into this huge 4 day, 5 event swimrun extravaganza.

Since 2015 it has been described by many as ‘The Swimrun Paradise.’ With courses ranging from covering half an island, a circumnavigation of a complete island or even a huge Archipelago swimrun covering 10 different islands of a 36km course, this really is an adventurer’s day out to remember.

Although you can participate solo in any of the events, I would highly recommend finding or bringing a swimrun partner to share this adventure with.

Due to the nature of small islands, the Friday events and Sunday event have a limited capacity.

Carry on down for more information and booking links.

SCILLY-60-SWIMRUN-EVENT-2025-INFO-PACK

  The Events:

Thursday 28 August – The Social Swimrun.

A relaxed social event to gently try this sport or to acclimatise to Scilly style swimrun. All abilities welcome. This event will be guided by Race director Wez Swain, who will share his skills, tips and tricks that he has learnt from multiple swimrun adventures including twice participating in the Swimrun World Championships.

4km running, 1km swimming. All swimming will be in shoulder height water. Perfect for newbies.

Cost Free

Friday 29th August – St Mary’s Swimrun Half Course. 

This course covers the south west side of St Mary’s. More than a walk in the park, A beautiful first swimrun race.

7.3km Running, 1km swimming. Total 8.3km.

Cost per person: Early bird fees £60, 2 Feb – 30 June £65, 1st July onwards £75.

Friday 29th August – St Mary’s Swimrun Full Course. 

A full circumnavigaion of the island of St Mary’s. Safely swimming in every bay on St Mary’s and joining them up with beautiful fresh trails with spectacular scenery.

14km Running, 2.1km Swimming Total 16.1km. 

Cost per person: Early bird fees £95, 4 Feb – 30 June £105, 1st July onwards £120 

Saturday 30th August – The Junior Swimrun. 

Two different routes to suit all abilities from babes in arms to strong teenagers. A great way to keep the whole family involved, totter up the beach and splash your way back with your little one, or cheer on your more independent kids as they complete a 3km swimrun. Total Fun!

Cost Free

Sunday 31st August – Archipelago Swimrun.

An all-day event taking in many different islands, both inhabited and uninhabited. 

Not for the faint-hearted however this swimrun has it all. Swims of up to 2km, pristine trails, uninhabited islands, 10 islands, potential for seals to cheer you on, some of the best view points on Scilly. There really is nothing else like this event!

28km Running, 8km Swimming. Total 36km. Not for the faint-hearted. Time on course: 5 – 9 hours.

 

Cost per person: Early bird fees £190, 4 Feb – 30 June £210, 1st July onwards £240.

Whichever event you choose, you can guarantee the Scilly locals and visitors alike will be out in their masses to cheer you on, many going out of their way to make sure you get the support and cheering you deserve, even in the most remote places.

 *Please note: distances are approximate and routes may change dependent on weather.

*Saturday 30 August is the back up day for either the St Marys swimruns or the Archipelago swimruns if it is really necessary.

The Logistics

All events start on Porthmellon at the Gig Sheds on St Marys. Before booking a place on a Swimrun you are advised to have booked your accommodation and confirmed your travel arrangements.

Your race fees include:

  • A swimrun in the iconic Isles of Scilly archipelago
  • A donation to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust for managing the land we enjoy.
  • Full safety back up, both on land and sea.
  • A celebratory certificate, by local artist Erica Hicks, on completion of the event (this is instead of a medal)
  • The option of an event T shirt, Technical Cap or £10 donation to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

The countdown is on!

Day(s)

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It is a real privilege to be bringing swimrun back to the Isles of Scilly. Join us on beautiful trails linked by crystal clear seas as you travel through an environment that feels like it was made with swimrun in mind. If this isn’t paradise for a swimrunner, it can’t be far off!

Wez Swain, Scilly Swimrun Race Director

Important Information

Before signing up, please read the key points below:

Travel & Accommodation

You will need travel by air or sea to Scilly – you can only drive as far as Cornwall. You will also need accommodation – there are campsites, B&Bs, hotels and self-catering cottages, but accommodation can get booked up early.

More at ‘Visit Isles of Scilly’

Mandatory Kit

  • Wetsuit – (NOT a Trisuit!)
  • Towfloat for solo participants in the archipelago swimrun.
  • Whistle, easily accessible.
  • Foldable cup/soft flask
  • Pressure bandage, packed waterproof.

Suggested kit:

  • Soft flask for energy gel

 

Support

We will provide energy stations throughout the swimruns. However you are free to carry what you like. Swimrunners may wish to carry multiple gels emptied into a soft flask to be used when they need it. Please do not dispose of anything en route.

Race Conditions of Entry

  • Solo participants on the Archipelago Swimrun must bring and wear a tow float on ALL swims. Pairs must be tethered together.
  • You can race as a pair or solo. (If you would like to race as a trio, just email Wez at the below address) You can change between either up to 25th August at no extra cost. Just email swimrun@scilly60.co.uk. 
  • There are three prices for each race. A normal race fee, an Early Bird race fee for those wishing to sign up before 1st Feb 2025 and a late race fee for those who sign up after June 30th.
  • Those signing up after June 30th, will not have the option for a T-shirt as these T-shirts are printed to order to avoid waste.
  • Swim hats must be worn during ALL swims. Swim hats are provided for all.
  • If you feel you have enough swim hats at home, you can return them after the race to be reused at future events.
  • The Isles of Scilly is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), so we need everyone to enjoy and respect this delicate environment. As such, this is a no-litter race.
  • Race bibs must be worn and visible at all times. These must be returned after the event. 
  • The course may change in the build up to the event due to weather/erosion. Any changes will be announced on the website and social media in the few days building up to the event.
  • Please book accommodation and travel, before paying your event entry fee.
  • Refunds – due to large outlays, we cannot offer refunds. However, we strongly recommend taking out event insurance due to you not being able to take part for any reason. 
  • Deferrals – If you can no longer race, you can defer for one year on or before 30th June. (You can only defer for one year, if you cannot participate in 2026 you will not receive a refund.)
  • Participants that are pregnant, have a pregnant partner, or are adopting, will be offered a refund or three-year deferral. 
  • The event is mainly organised by just one person (Wez Swain), so please be patient if it takes longer than anticipated to get back to you via email.
  • By entering the event, you have read and agree to be bound by the terms of the Scilly Swimrun Disclaimer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the terrain be like?

All islands have short steep hills. 95% of the run is on the coast path or trails, with a small amount of running on beaches/sand and road. Some of the transitions will be over wet rocks, others just a sandy beach.  Although the maximum elevation is only about 93m there are plenty of ups and downs throughout the day – it is hillier than you may think!

Is there an age limit?

The Junior Swimrun is for all ages. 7’s and under must be accompanied by 1 adult to 4 children. The guided swimrun and the Archipelago swimrun is for 18’s and over. The St Mary’s Half Course and the St Mary’s Full course is for 18’s and over if participating solo.

12 year olds and older can participate in the both of the St Mary’s Courses as long as they are partnered with an adult. The under 18 must be competent at running and swimming in the sea; they MUST use a tether for the swims.

Can I take part solo?

Yes, we welcome every swimrunner. Personally we actually think the event is more fun when shared with a swimrun partner. However you can choose to be in a pair or solo. Pairs must keep within 10m of each other. A bungee cord, tether, connecting both is advised for the swims. It is also possible to participate as a trio, just email swimrun@scilly60.co.uk for further information. 

How strict are the timing cut-offs?

The cut offs are for everyone’s safety. Please train hard, we prefer to be nice to everyone.

Will there be energy stations?

Yes. There will be a variety of energy stations at each event. A list of what is available will be sent to swimrunners a month prior to the events.

What happens to my post race kit?

You can leave it in your accommodation or at the start line.

Can I have a shower at the finish?

No. You will need to return to your accommodation to do this.

If I'm staying on a different island, how do I get to and from the race?

You will need to contact the boating organisation for that island: 
St Agnes Boating, Tresco Boats (Tresco and Bryher)
St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association (for St Mary’s and St Martin’s)
Also: Endeavour Rib Services or Falcon Boating

What about the environment?

This is a no-litter race. We will disqualify anyone who is caught littering the landscape.
We make a donation to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust from your entry fee.
We also discuss the route with the Wildlife Trust to make sure there is minimal impact from the event on wildlife and the environment. 

What if my plans change? Can I defer or have a refund?

Please see the race conditions of entry above.

Get Involved

Enter the Race & Contact Us

Booking for the 2025 race is open.

 

Enter the Archipelago Race

Enter the St Mary's Full or St Mary's Half Course.

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Read the reviews from 2024 here.