Whats up with SwimRun?
ÖTILLÖ (which translates to "island to island" in Swedish) is the originator and World Championship event of the endurance sport known as Swimrun.
In a Swimrun race, participants compete in teams of two (or solo in some formats), alternating between trail running and open-water swimming across a course made up of multiple islands. A key rule is that athletes must carry all of their equipment from start to finish, which means they run in their wetsuit and swim in their running shoes.
Top Equipment for ÖTILLÖ Swimrun
Swimrun Wetsuit (Swimrun-Specific Design):
Usually a "shorty" cut (sleeves and legs above the elbow/knee) with front and/or back zippers for quick ventilation during runs. This is the most essential piece of gear. It must provide warmth, flotation, and maximum flexibility for running.
Eric used the ORCA Aesir Flex Men Swimrun Wetsuit
Trail Running Shoes (Excellent Grip and Drainage): Needs aggressive traction for slippery rocks and varied trail terrain, and should drain water quickly. You swim in your shoes, so they must be comfortable when wet and not hold excess water.
Eric used the Salomon Ultraguide 1.5 running Shoe
Swim Paddles / Hand Paddles (Large Surface Area): Often large, sometimes carbon fiber, to maximize propulsion in the water and compensate for the drag of shoes. These significantly improve swim speed but require shoulder strength and training.
Eric raced with the Ark Blade carbon paddle, however trained with the ORCA flat paddle
Pull Buoy (High Buoyancy): Used to keep the legs (and water-filled shoes) floating and in a better swimming position. Typically attached to the leg with a tether and must be carried during the run. ÖTILLÖ races often have a maximum size limit.
Eric used the ORCA Swimrun Pullbuoy
Swim Goggles Comfort and Visibility: Wide-view open-water goggles are preferred for sighting in choppy water. Essential for seeing where you are going. Many racers carry an extra pair as a backup.
Eric Trains and Races in the ORCA Killa Hydro Goggles
Tether (Bungee Cord) Strong and Flexible: Used to connect the two teammates, mandatory for the team format, ensuring they stay within a legal distance of each other.
At ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island, Eric Lagerstrom started 15 minutes behind the entire field as a “Charity Chaser,” raising money for each racer he passed.
In the end, he caught and passed every team and solo athlete on the course, won the race overall, and raised $1,200 for the Orcas Island Booster Club — an organization that provides student-athletes with essential shoes and gear.