Swimrun Gower

Updated November 2024

The original Breca Gower is now "Swimrun Gower", held by Gritty Rascals Events.

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

The Gower peninsula event was 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.

Gower was the first place in Britain to be named a National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). With cliffs and woodlands ringed by sparkling beaches, the Gower peninsula is adored by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers, and it’s been scooping awards ever since.

In 2024 the race was scheduled for 29th June.

According to Gritty Rascals Events, "we aims to hold challenging races in beautiful locations with spectacular surroundings, with leading standards of safety and support, all delivered by the very best teams to create a truly special experience".

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Swimrun Gower

Swimrun Gower beach exit. Image:Gritty Rascals

There are 2 distances on offer at Gower; the Sprint race and the Gritty course. Both events are open to teams and solo athletes. Race weekend headquarters is at Underhill Park, in the Mumbles. June is a busy period on the Gower Peninsula, so if you are interested in taking part you should book early!

A view along the beach on the Gower peninsula in south Wales

Gower peninsula. Image: Gritty Rascals

Gower Sprint Race

The Sprint distance covers 11.5km in total. The swim distance is 1.5km and the running route takes in 10km, divided over 6 transitions, so the swim to run ratio is approximately 1:7. The expected finishing time is around 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.

There is a total elevation gain of 330 metres. There are cut-off times through the course, with a final cut-off of 3 hours 30 minutes from the starting whistle to the finish line.

Gower Gritty Race

The longer race, called the 'Gritty', is almost twice as long at 21.1km in total. This is made up of 2.2km of swimming and 17.9km of running, divided over 8 transitions, so the swim to run ratio is approximately 1:9, which means that there is relatively more running over swimming compared to the Sprint event. This is a race tilted more at trail runners rather than swimmers, with steep slopes on coastal trails!

The expected finishing times are expected range between 2 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours, with a cut-off time at the finish of 4 hours 30 minutes from the starting whistle. Water temperature is expected to be around 10C, but as we have noted, there is a low swim to run ratio in this race, so you won't be in the water for long!

A group of men in wetsuits and colored tops walk down a grassy hill at a Gritty Rascals Events swimrun start

The start! Image: Gritty Rascals

Swimrun Gower Full Distance

Gritty Rascals plans to offer a Full Distance race in 2025, which usually means something around 45km! So watch this space for news about the 2025 races. The date and distances have yet to be confirmed.

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. But 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!

You can get more information about the races at Gower, register as a team or solo competitor, or volunteer as a marshal by going to the Swimrun Gower page at the Gritty Rascals Events website.