OTILLO Swimrun Orcas Island

 GENERAL 

WHAT IS SWIMRUN?

Swimrun is the fastest growing endurance sport on the planet. NOT an aquathlon, swimrun is comprised of 2-person teams and solo athletes swimming and running back and forth, in their wetsuits and shoes (without changing), over multiple legs of open water swimming and all-terrain running, totaling anywhere from 10-20 miles from start to finish.

I'M MORE OF A RUNNER (OR A SWIMMER), WILL I BE ABLE TO DO THIS?

Of course you can. We welcome athletes of all ages and abilities at Odyssey. Our swimrunner base is comprised of people from all walks of life and all endurance levels. While it is true that we have a large quantity of triathletes that have transitioned to swimrun or simply work swimrun into their triathlon season, we also have just as big of a population of swimmers, runners, and those that really didn't do a lot of either until they got into swimrun. If you swim, or run, you can certainly add the missing piece. Remember that swimrun is about the fun you have out there so if you are better at one than the other, that's ok, you'll find yourself loving them both equally out on our courses.

HOW COMPETITIVE IS SWIMRUN? WHAT'S THE VIBE?

Just like anything else, it's what you make of it. Swimrun can be as competitive or as laid back as you want it to be. The great thing about the sport is that there's absolutely no pressure and everyone is there to have fun and support each other. If you've been to a trail run or ultra, swimrun has a very similar vibe. Whether you're the kind of athlete that takes off like a cannon when the gun goes off red lining it the entire time, or someone that likes to ease into things and enjoy every second along the way, Odyssey has a home for you.

 REGISTRATION 

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

CLICK HERE for our refund policy.

HOW DO I MAKE CHANGES TO MY REGISTRATION?

CLICK HERE to learn how.

CAN I ADD A PURCHASE TO MY REGISTRATION AFTER I REGISTER?

CLICK HERE to learn how.

WHAT ARE DEADLINES FOR CHANGES TO REGISTRATION?

CLICK HERE to see our deadlines.

HOW DO I CHANGE DISTANCES?

CLICK HERE to learn how.

CAN I TRANSFER FROM ONE OTILLO USA EVENT TO ANOTHER IN THE USA?

Yes you can. CLICK HERE to learn how.

CAN I SWAP OUT MY TEAMMATE? HOW DO I DO IT?

Yes you can. The easiest way to do so is to just email us. We will delete your current teammate and your new one can sign up for the team as normal.

SHOULD I REGISTER AS A TEAM OR SOLO?

When the sport started it only allowed registration as teams of 2. Over the years we have expanded it to allow solo athletes because we realize that some people can't find a teammate and/or they would rather just race alone, and we prefer to still allow those athletes to race. That being said, certainly recommend racing as a team. In our opinion, team racing is the pinnacle of fun at swimrun. Being part of a team offers added safety, encouragement, and camaraderie along the way, something that many find essential to their race day success.

CAN MINORS PARTICIPATE IN SWIMRUN?

Yes. The minor's parent or legal guardian MUST sign him/her up for the race. Prior to signing up that parent or guardian MUST email us for approval.

I HAVE COMPLETED MY TEAM REGISTRATION & PAID, HOW DOES MY TEAMMATE SIGN UP?

First, your teammate MUST sign up him/herself, you cannot sign up your teammate. Next, your teammate can sign up by either following the normal process you did but selecting the team name from a drop down on the third screen OR going to our GROUPS/TEAMS page, finding your team, and clicking the "JOIN" button under the name of the team. Either way works.

WHAT IF I SIGN UP FOR MULTIPLE RACES BUT AT DIFFERENT TIMES, CAN I GET BUNDLE PRICING AFTER THE FACT?

Just email us, we will extend the same bundle discount via a refund in the price difference done manually.

IF AN ATHLETE NEEDS A NEW TEAMMATE IS THERE A RESOURCE WHERE HE/SHE CAN FIND ONE?

Join our Facebook Group. With well over 1,000 athletes it is a great resource to find a teammate if you need one.

 GEAR 

DO WE HAVE TO WEAR A WETSUIT IN SWIMRUN AND WHY?

Unless otherwise stated, wetsuits are mandatory at all events without exception. There may be a very limited number of events that are warm enough, that we will announce in the weeks/days leading to the event, that they are optional, but everyone should go into each race assuming they are mandatory and that that will not change. Wetsuits are not just about keeping an athlete warm they are about flotation and given the ground the athletes and race crew cover, any added level of individual safety we can implement is a step towards a safer race for everyone.

WHAT TYPE OF WETSUITS ARE ALLOWED?

Athletes may use any wetsuit they wish. That being said, we highly recommend purchasing (or renting) an Ark SwimRun Wetsuit. While triathlon wetsuits may technically work, hardly anyone uses them. They are a lot thicker, stiffer, and harder to run in that Ark SwimRun Wetsuits, which are designed for the sport of SwimRun. Ark suits are thinner, more flexible, and are comfortable to run in making the transition from swim to run and run to swim much easier and enjoyable.

HOW DO I RENT A WETSUIT? 

We have a limited number of wetsuits available for rent at each of our events. These are Ark wetsuits. The cost to rent them is $55. They are given at packet pickup and excepted to be returned after the event. You can reserve and pay for yours as an add-on during registration. If you decide you want to rent one after you've already registered you can go back in and add it on after the fact. If you do not know how to do so CLICK HERE. If you decide later you no longer need your rental suit email us, we can remove it and issue you a refund as long as it's not the week of the event.

WHAT TYPE OF SHOES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR SWIMRUN?

Any type of lightweight trail shoe with grip that will drain easily and not retain water.

ARE HAND PADDLES & PULL BUOYS ALLOWED IN SWIMRUN AND WHY?

Yes they are. They are allowed because with all the swimming and running a pull buoy will help save your legs and energy throughout the day. Same mindset with the paddles. While paddles do require some training prior to the event to get used to, they can offer some relief while maintaining speed on the course.

ARE SNORKELS & FINS ALLOWED IN SWIMRUN?

They are but we do not recommend them. Anyone we have ever seen use them ditches them at the first or second hydration station. Remember you have to carry whatever you start with for the event, or at least in between hydration stations and carrying paddles and a snorkel all day is not appealing and doesn't make the race easier.

IS IT MANDATORY THAT TEAMS BE TETHERED TOGETHER DURING THE RACE?

It is mandatory that each team has 1 tether on them at all times. It is only mandatory to actually be tethered together if you are continuously separating during the swim or we institute a tethered policy at the start or during the race due to fog, waves, other weather, etc. Otherwise the tether is optional, but it does add another level of fun.

WHAT OTHER GEAR IS MANDATORY?

CLICK HERE to learn more.

 RACE DAY 

WHAT COURSE MARKINGS SHOULD I LOOK FOR?

CLICK HERE to learn more.

WHAT WE DO IF MY TEAMMATE OR I ARE HURT OR WE COME ACROSS SOMEONE ELSE THAT IS?

In any actual severe emergency we always recommend calling 911.

IN THE WATER  If an emergency occurs in the water, first try to get the attention of the kayaks and/or rescue vessels by waving your hands above your head and blowing on your whistle until someone comes to help you. If no one immediately comes to your aid float on your back while still waving your hands and blowing on your whistle to the best of your ability. If swimming to shore is a viable option you may want to do that as well and seek help from the shore, if you're able to do so.  ON THE TRAILS  If you find yourself in trouble on the trails and cannot continue to the next hydration/nutrition stop, stay where you are and blow your whistle until someone comes to help you. If you stay on trail odds are someone will come by that's part of the race. If possible to continue on foot, we recommend moving forward on the course until you get to a station or come to someone that can help.

While we certainly do all we can to add an element of safety to both the land and water, please remember that these are open courses in remote areas and you are participating in this event at your own risk fully realizing the inherent danger that comes with being in nature.

WHAT IF MY TEAMMATE CANNOT CONTINUE BUT I CAN?

Generally if one teammate cannot continue then unfortunately the day is over for both members of the team. That's just how it is. However, if you find yourself at a hydration station and your teammate has a way back to the finish line and has been medically cleared, then you can have a volunteer or staff member call the race director(s) and we can issue you the ok to continue. This is a rare occurrence and may not be done without our approval.

WHAT IF I/WE DON'T FINISH?

Our goal is to help get everyone across that finish line. That being said, sometimes that just doesn't happen. Although it's rare, it's understandable, and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. If you have to drop out we ask that you let us know by making your way to a hydration station, volunteer, finish line, etc and letting them know your you didn't finish. We also need you to turn in your timing chip and strap to our timer (or at least a staff member or volunteer) once you have decided you won't be continuing. Those that start and do not finish are welcome to join the finish line festivities if they wish.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE FINISH LINE?

Our finish line chute consists of large teardrop flags and a custom inflatable accented by upbeat music and a charismatic announcer proclaiming your accomplishment! Beyond the finish you will have food and drink as well as a finisher's item (if we are giving one) and an awards ceremony later in the day. 

WHAT TYPE OF POST RACE FOOD & DRINK IS SERVED?

Pizza Rocks makes fresh made to order pizzas all morning and we have keg beer ready to go!

WHERE ARE RESULTS POSTED?

Results are posted on our website. Just visit this site and click on the results tab.

DO YOU OFFER LIVE TRACKING?

No we do not.

ARE THERE AWARDS?

Yes there are. CLICK HERE to learn more.

 COMMONSENSE & RESPONSIBILITY 

REMEMBER THAT YOU SIGNED UP OF YOUR OWN FREEWILL FOR THIS EVENT - YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN DECISIONS & SAFETY.

In signing up, you also acknowledge there are inherent dangers that come with participation in outdoor endurance events, open water swimming, trail/road running, etc. By signing up you agree that there is a risk of injury and/or bodily harm and to not hold the event, venues, municipalities, vendors, volunteers, and sponsors responsible.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EDUCATING YOURSELF ABOUT THE RACE.

This includes knowing the course and surroundings to the best of your ability. We realize that with some courses it’s impossible to fully know and memorize the course. Just do your best and always keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Don't assume that because the person in front of you goes a certain way, that's the correct way. See the markings for yourself and make your own decisions.

BE KIND AND RESPECTFUL.

If you are just kind, polite, and respectful to everyone you see at all times (associated with the race or not), then you will be in a good place. Be helpful to those in need and please thank everyone that's out there helping out, without them we couldn't do what we do.

HELP OTHERS IN NEED.

If you come across anyone in need of help while racing, you are expected to offer them assistance when/if it’s safe and you are able to do so. We are out there to race but to also have fun and experience swimrun together. Take care of each other. It’s a big course and we cannot be everywhere at once.

DO NOT LITTER.

Please be sure to leave the race site better than you found it. That means not only picking up after yourself but if you see discarded trash please do your part to help us keep the area clean by picking it up. The places we hold swimrun events are remote, beautiful, and pristine. We MUST keep them this way if we are to be allowed back year after year. Thank you.