September 17th 2024
I'm sharing the GPX track, map, and key considerations for my favorite SwimRun route in Groningen—hoping it inspires others to try this unique sport! Lately, as I prepare to jump in or out of the water, people ask if I’m doing for a triathlon. “No, it’s SwimRun!” I respond, catching my breath. "You should try it," I add before switching back into SwimRun mode. This prompted me to provide a brief description and a suggested route for anyone curious about SwimRun but unsure where to begin.SwimRun is a sport that alternates between swimming and running, and you use the same gear for both: you swim in your shoes and run in a wetsuit (if using). I like it because it is challenging and offers a sense of freedom, you can chose to traverse on land or water without limitations, also of gear, you have to do with what you have. I feel if the only limit to reach any place is my self. For a deeper dive, check out the Wikipedia page on SwimRun for a more detailed (and less philosophical) introduction 😊.
The Route
This is the GPX track of my favorite route and is also displayed on the figure. If you upload the GPX track to a Garmin device it should work straightaway. Otherwise you can load it on openrouteservice and check out the transition points. The route follows the Reitdiep in Groningen. The Reitdiep area offers numerous points where to entry or exit the water, which allows for flexible adjustments based on distances, time and/or preference. This route is my favorite because I find it provides a balanced mix of swimming and running. The gpx track has four running segments of 0.5 km, 2.5 km (red/n.2 segment in the map), 2 km(pink/n.4 segment in the map), and 4 km (yellow/n.6 segment in the map). The swimming segments are 0.5, 0.6, and 1.2 km respectively and marked in blue in the map. I complete the route in about 1 hour and 30 minutes—slow but steady!
For those unfamiliar with the Reitdiep area, I recommend exploring the access points by bike first to make transitions easier. Groningen is a SwimRun paradise with other great spots like the Hoornsemeer, providing endless possibilities for route variation. The one I’m sharing is just an introduction, and I encourage you to explore and create your own routes! Groningen has so much to offer for swimrunners of all levels.
If you’re hesitant to try SwimRun alone, feel free to join me! Drop a comment below, and let’s set up a time and place to get started. 😊
What You Need for SwimRun
SwimRun requires minimal gear since the same equipment is used for both running and swimming. On a warm day, that could mean as little as a swimsuit, which is pretty minimalist, natural, and hardcore! Running barefoot in just swimming trunks is tough, and I have a lot of respect for the athletes who do it that way.
Personally, I wear a wetsuit, like my Orca Athlex Float or Skins triathlon suit. I only wear the Skins when the temperature is above 30 degrees; otherwise, I cool down too much while swimming. I also wear my oldest pair of running shoes, since running on them after the swim will wear them out quickly. Moreover, since time has warned? them off, the shoes have holes in the mesh, which let the water flow out better (or at least I like to think it does). As last shrewdness I removed the insole from my shoes to prevent them from acting like a sponge and making my feet sink during the swim. For the swimming segments I bring an orange swim cap for visibility (to ensure boats can see me!), and swimming goggles. Sometimes I also bring a pull buoy, for extra buoyancy, which aids recovery of the legs during the swim (mind that the prolonged tightening of the legs to hold the pull buoy might lead to cramps — you need to experiment to find what works for you).
For competitive races, official regulations require additional items, such as a tether if competing as a duo, as well as a first-aid kit and whistle for safety. For more on SwimRun’s origins or competitive aspects, check out the Wikipedia page. For now, I hope this introduction and route inspire others to dive in and explore the thrill of SwimRun.
Happy exploring!