Distinct times are calling for diverse procedures. Even though Sweden wasn’t excessively restrictive concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, all mass gatherings have been shut down. Apparently this contains racing happenings. Stockholm’s classic and constantly innovative SwimRun around Långholmen was one of the first races in the calendar to start back up. 

The organization did a clever job that followed to all restrictions and shaped a special day with everybody respecting the new procedures. A withdrawal of the long course event meant that different starting waves were offered over the sprint distance.
Långholmen SwimRun organizers accomplished to produce a contactless event – Online race briefing, a course description via Vimeo, race bib self-pick-up and isolated start boxes. Super well prearranged and appreciated by all competitors.
I was privileged to race with my friends daughter and last year’s women champion Ebba Kindgren.
More of my Långholmen SwimRun race chatter can be found HERE and HERE
We gave it all from start to finish. So much fun to race alongside Ebba. I was more than impressed by her performance. She dug deep and we pushed all the way.
Grinding on some technical trail early on.
Leaving the last swim segment and on the way to a second place finish. Only giving space on the podium to ÖTILLÖ World Champ Annica Ericsson and her companion. “Next year we go for the win.” was Ebba’s final announcement after the competition – You bet!
Only one photograph from my second excursion of the day. With training companion and friend Johann and I raced the 2nd heat. So much fun to escort him throughout his first SwimRun. We went way faster than anticipated and he was entirely hooked when arriving at the finish line. “This was the toughest thing I ever did. So much fun…”
Undoubtedly Långholmen SwimRun does know how to run the show. Even thru pretty unusual times. For my part I wonder how they accomplish to organize these nice and sunshiny race days. Until next year!

All pictures courtesy by Henrik Kindgren for Långholmen SwimRun

Tune of the day: Lady Saw – Serious Allegations X Peshay 1996 Studio Set
Podcast of the day: Boris Stein meets Clemens Coenen (German Only)