Swim-run is a variant of triathlon in which the cycling section is omitted. Participants start with a swimming section and continue directly with running, without a break. It is a fun and educational way for young people to become acquainted with the sport of triathlon.
Enthusiasm at the NTB and Olympic Moves
Berteke de Jong, youth sports coordinator at the Dutch Triathlon Federation (NTB), is enthusiastic about the addition of swim-run: "We are extremely pleased to be able to introduce swim-run as an official sport at Olympic Moves. It offers young athletes an accessible way to become acquainted with our multisport endurance discipline. We hope this inspires them to swim, cycle and run more often, and above all that they enjoy discovering this versatile sport.”
Marc van den Heuvel from the Olympic Moves organization shares this enthusiasm: "Our mission is to get young people moving and introduce them to a variety of sports. The addition of swim-run to our program fits in perfectly with that mission. It is fantastic to see how this endurance sport, which combines swimming and running, can provide a team experience during the relay. This gives students the opportunity to experience two of the three triathlon disciplines, with an emphasis on cooperation. Hopefully, this will inspire them to continue, for example by taking part in the Challenge Almere – Student Triathlon in September.”
What makes swim-run unique within Olympic Moves is the opportunity to participate both individually and as part of a team. In the team event, the race is completed in relay format, with teams completing a mixed relay.