Event Info
Ötillö Utö

Updated September 2024

Full event info Otillo Uto. This is where it all started, in the Stockholm archipelago - the first swimrun event ever held! Utö is in the south of the island chain, with only a small permanent population.

This event is the first in the Swedish season, usually held in June each year.

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Garmin Swim 2 GPS Watch

Event Info Ötillö Utö

Ötillö Utö water exit for two swimrunners

Ötillö Utö, courtesy Jean-Marie Gueye and Ötillö

Location

Sweden, in the Stockholm archipelago. This is a chain of islands running from North to South. Stockholm (the capital of Sweden) is actually built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges!

How to get there

First you have to get to Stockholm. The nearest airport is Stockholm Arlanda (ARN). You can then get the Arlanda Express train direct from the airport into the city, in just 18 minutes.

Then you need to get to the Årsta Brygga ferry stop, by train and then a bus. If you are traveling by car, there is plenty of parking available at the ferry stop.

Then you get the Waxholmsbolaget ferry to Utö Gruvbryggan. When you get off the ferry, you are in the event area!

Where to stay

Utö Värdshus has various sizes of rooms and an excellent restaurant.

There are eight double rooms in The Mill Villa
In the Stone Hotel there are six double rooms, two single rooms, and two mini-suites.
Then there are the Hotel Cabins, three red cottages, with two-bed or three-bed options.
Utö Hostel is a three-storey building with 73 beds; Six rooms are doubles, one is a triple-bed, nine rooms have 4 beds, and there are five family rooms accommodating 5 to 7 people each.
Utsikten House (The View) is a touch of luxury for 2 to 4 people, with its own outdoor hot tub (jacuzzi).

The front view of Uto Vardshus Accommodation, outside Stockholm

Utö Vårdshus, courtesy Ötillö

Race distances

There are 3 race distances, the Experience, the Sprint, and the World Series.

Experience is a short intro event, with a total distance of 8 km. Of that, 1.6 km is swimming, and 6.4 km is running. Total elevation is just 32 metres.
Sprint is a medium-distance event, with a total distance of 16.7 km. Of that, 2.8 km is swimming, and 13.9 km is running. Elevation gain is 36 metres.
The World Series event is the big one - covering 32.4 km, made up of 5 km swimming and 27.3 km of running. Total elevation is 131 metres.

Race routes

All distances have the same Start, not far from Utö Vårdshus, but after that go their own way!

Utö Experience course map, courtesy Ötillö

Utö Sprint course map, courtesy Ötillö

Utö World Series course map. courtesy Ötillö

Event Info Ötillö Utö

Energy stations

There are several energy stations around each course; be aware that there are no paper cups, you have to bring your own collapsible cup of soft water bottle.

Energy products are provided by Umara; U Sport energy drinks, U Bar energy bars (gluten-free), and U Gels in assorted flavours.

Cut-off times

The cut-off stations are;

Experience - NO cut-offs
Sprint - One cut-off at Time 2 in Utö Harbour, at 13.45H
World Series - TWO cut-offs, at Times 3 and 5; Utö Harbour at 14.20H and Utö North at 15.50H

Weather

Held in early to mid June, the weather in Utö is mild. The trees are in leaf and the flowers are in bloom. With a decent wetsuit you are unlikely to be cold. The sea water here is low in salt, which means you will float slightly lower than in normal sea water - much the same as fresh water.

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

Summary of event info Otillo Uto

The Ötillö Utö swimrun event is unique, and all the more as the birthplace of this exciting and exhilarating sport!