Swimrun for Arc: Success On The Gorges Du Verdon Swimrun

Last week the Swimrun for Arc team all completed the notoriously difficult Gorges du Verdon Swimrun, a race by SWIMRUNMAN voted one of the most beautiful in the world. The team were raising funds and awareness for a charity committed to cancer research and awareness of pancreatic cancer. You can read the full swimrun.com feature here. 

Support from the race organisers

Race director, Florent was full of support for the Swimrun for Arc initiative and didn’t hesitate to invite the team to the event to highlight this worthwhile cause. Florent goes onto say ‘unfortunately, cancer affects us all, from near and from far, and it is expected for Bertrand (co-race director) and I that SWIMRUNMAN events should be used for other causes. We do not have much time on Earth and if tomorrow by some chance everything comes to an end, I will be happy to say that at least with our support of teams (like Swimrun for Arc), we leave at least that behind us!

Adam’s Gorges du Verdon race report 2022

Onto the race itself, Mike Tyson famously has a saying, everything goes to plan until you get punched in the face. For endurance athletes competing for 6 – 12 hours, there are so many variables and finishing the course is by no means a guaranteed outcome.

The swimrunners were tested with extreme conditions, the water temperature a cold 8 – 10 degrees with many brutal running sections. For most of the Swimrun for Arc team, this was their first swimrun. 

All three teams finished the race. Hugo Tormento & Fredrik Axegard came first across the line, setting a course record in the process. Camille Lacourt & Stephane Bougouin put in an excellent performance coming in 41st with Adam Mac Douglas & Dorian Louvet a few places behind and a strong 44th place. 

Team leader, Adam highlighted the importance of having the kind support willing them on from checkpoints with the project team out in force; David of Baseline studios, Camille’s wife and Xavier from the Arc foundation. For Adam, their support made the difference on the day.

Adam’s race highlight was the punishing 13km run with almost 1km of ascent which gave way to stunning views over the course. This followed by a 1.5km plunge into cold water for a swim leg was ‘far from easy but a huge pleasure‘!

Fundraising success

The campaign is a fine example of using sport for positive impact. You can visit the Swimrun for Arc fundraising page here.