Race Preview: Love SwimRun Llanberis
Love SwimRun Llanberis is a spectacular swimrun course in North Wales, returning on the 18th June 2022. Race Director, Chloe Rafferty gives the lowdown on what awaits athletes in a few weeks.
Chloe has been involved with swimrun since 2015 when she participated in her first swimrun on Loch Lomond in Scotland. The experience struck an instant connection with her, she loved the freedom and sense of adventure it gave and the way swimrun takes you on a seamless journey through both beautiful natural landscapes and aquatic environments.
Chloe came home from her first race, determined to give as many people as possible the opportunity to try out swimrun and launched Wales’ first swimrun in the shadow of the highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
What can participants expect at Love SwimRun Llanberis ?
A plethora of stunning scenery, beautiful swimming and mixed terrain with great views and unexpected points of interest.
The swims are all crystal clear through the fresh water of Llyn Padarn, which also have pretty spectacular mountain views. Participants will run on fast flatter sections and some hilly and technical sections. The transitions are varied where you can run jump or scramble, makes it all for a fun and enthralling course.
The full course takes in the whole of Llyn Padarn plus a big climb up in the historic Dinorwig slate quarries, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Love Swimrun Llanberis also offers a sprint course that uses the first loop and avoid the biggest hill climb and the longest swims. This makes an excellent course for first timers and kids (10 years +).
What is the atmosphere like ?
Love SwimRun is all about inclusivity and having fun. The atmosphere is really friendly, supportive and relaxed and we have very generous cut off times so you can race or just take it easy and enjoy taking in all the gorgeous scenery.
And your best piece of advice for any first-time swimrunners doing the event ?
Enjoy it! Don’t get hung up on the kit side of things, go simple and make sure you try it out before the day. So many people turn up to races with loads of new kit and then abandon it (paddles and pull buoys) or end up with chafing and bad blisters. You shoes do not need to be swimrun specific so just wear trail shoes that are comfortable and fit you well, wear wicking socks, and do up your laces with double knots and tuck them in (they come undone when you swim). Love SwimRun has lots of articles to help with gear and training in their Knowledge Hub
Entries still open
Entries are still open for the full and sprint course, with more information here.
