SwimRun Hydra 2019
Kelsey Edwards • 16 November 2019
Even more gruelling in the heat
This year’s event happened in bright sunshine, great for spectators but not so good for the athletes because it was hot work running in a wetsuit! Hydra Harbour was the start and finish for both races. The initiation race was 9.4k with two swimming and two running sections between Hydra Port and Vlychos.
The core distance race was a gruelling 23.6k with three swimming and three running sections stretching between Molos and Mandraki.
Both races started at 8:30 from the port and the last pair competing in the core distance race crossed the finish line at about 14:30.
Each pair had to do the race attached to each other and they had to carry everything they needed with them. So when they were in the water, their running shoes were kept in the bag which floated behind then during the swimming sections. They are also allowed to have a float to use between their thighs when swimming which gets swapped for shoes during the running sections. Changing over between sections was nearly as much hard work as the actual swimming and running!
They even ate and drank on the run to keep their energy levels up.
On land and sea marshals were everywhere to keep everyone safe and going in the right direction.
As the race competitors were so spread out and cover such a distance, most of the supporters and spectators based themselves at the harbour cafes so they could applaud and yell encouragement to the pairs as they reached the finish line. And most of the competitors who finished the initiation race early, joined the cafe crowds to add their appreciation to the pairs still doing the core race.
The organisers monitored the races from the finish line and kept the music going throughout. They were constantly on alert for when the pairs were heading back. As soon as a couple were spotted coming round the west corner of the harbour, the music, cheering and whistling erupted to welcome the weary couples over the finish line.
The core distance was an especially gruelling race with mostly first-class competitors. So I really admired the three Hydriot pairs who took part. Even though Arabella and Kathryn came in last they deserved as much applause as those who came in first for their plucky bravery and determination to complete this very demanding challenge.
Bravo to the girls and all who took part. See you next year!
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