Event Info
Gritty Rascals Gower

Updated December 2024

Full event info Gritty Rascals Gower swimrun, held toward the end of June each year. Gritty Rascals started in the Lake District, in the U.K., to revive the old Breca Coniston swimrun event for 2023.

Gary Pavitt has done it again! After reviving the Coniston event, he turned his attention to the Gower peninsula in the south of Wales, U.K..

The Gower peninsula event was also previously run by Breca, which has, unfortunately, gone broke. However, the event has been brought back to life by Gritty Rascals and Gary Pavitt. Gary has extensive experience in the Adventure Racing world, and brings a new and exciting version of swimrun to the swimrun world.

This event involves significant trail running, and proper trail shoes are strongly recommended.

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Event Info Gritty Rascals Gower swimrun

Location

The event is based in Underhill Park, Mumbles, on the Gower Peninsula, South West Wales (U.K.)

How to get there

The nearest international airport is Cardiff (Wales), followed by Bristol (England). From England, the M5/M4 motorway runs past Cardiff to the outskirts of Swansea.

Mumbles is a short 15-minute car drive from Swansea on the A4067 road. You can also take a bus (25 minutes).

Where to stay

There is no specific accommodation recommended by Gritty Rascals. The end of June is a busy time in the Mumbles area so accommodation will be in demand. They advise you to book early to avoid disappointment.

There is plenty of choice in the area at AirBnB, Booking.com and other accommodation websites.

Race distances

There are 3 race distances from 2025:

A sprint distance of 11.5 km
a medium 'Gritty' distance of 20.1 km,
and a longer Full distance of 41 km.

The 11.5 km race involves 3 swim legs and 4 running sections. The total swim distance is 1.9 km and total run distance is 10.8 km.

The 20.1 km event includes 3 km of swimming over 4 legs, and 18 km of running, over 5 legs.

The 41 km event involves about 5.7 km of swimming over 7 legs, and 35.3 km of running over 8 legs.

You can enter any of the distances as a solo competitor or as a team of two.

Race routes

The race distances have different Start areas but the same Finish area, at Underhill Park . There are changing rooms and showers.

The Sprint distance starts at 12:40, at South Gower Rugby Club.
The 'Gritty' event starts at 12:30 at Oxwich Bay.
The Full distance event starts much earlier (09:30 TBC), at a yet-to-be-confirmed location.
ALL races end at Underhill Park.

There are complimentary coaches to take you from Underhill Park to the start area of each race, but you must book beforehand, and board the coach ready to race! There are no changing facilites at the start area.

Gritty Rascals Gower swimrun Sprint route map

Gritty Rascals Gower Swimrun "Gritty" route map

Event Info Gritty Rascals Gower swimrun

Energy stations

Around each course there are several water stops, offering hydration (water and electrolyte drinks), bananas, salted crisps, Jaffa cakes, sweets and energy bars.

At the Finish there is also hot mint tea; additional hot food is available for purchase at Underhill Hub.

Cut-off times

The 11.5 km Sprint race starts at 12:40 mid-day, and the cut-off is 15:55.
The 20.1 'Gritty' race starts at 10:55am, and the cut-off is also 15:55.
The 41 km "Full' distance event starts around 09:30 (TBC).

Weather

Held at the end of June, the water is cool, and the weather is mild but a little unpredictable. The water temperature is around 10 - 14 degrees C, according to the race organiser. Wetsuits are compulsory, and proper trail shoes are strongly recommended.

There is always a chance of cold or wet weather, so you should take suitable clothing for every eventuality!

The Gower Peninsula

Summary of event info Gritty Rascals Gower

The Gritty Rascals Gower swimrun event is at a great location; swimming in fresh water and running on wooded trails with significant challenge! It's great that Gritty Rascals has brought back this iconic swim run event on the Gower peninsula, after reviving the Coniston race in the Lake District.

They could also do with a little help in the shape of marshals at both races, so if you have a little time and would like to help out on the day, just contact Gritty Rascals to volunteer!

Check dates for 2025 at our Calendar Europe 2025 page!

If you think that this page needs an amendment, please let us know via the Contact Us link. Thank you!