route GPX St Mary's 16km

Swimrun in Paradise

Scilly Swimrun 2026

Scilly Swimrun hosts the UK’s Only True

Inter-Island Swimrun Events. 

When Mats and Micheal, the founders of swimrun racing discovered The Isles of Scilly, they called it the Swimrun Paradise! 

Thursday 27th August. St Mary’s, 8km and 16km.

This classic Scilly Swimrun course is either a full or half circumnavigation of our largest island, St Mary’s

Experience real adventure in one of the most spectacular locations in the world.

Don’t forget to check out all the other swimruns over the weekend

Thursday 27 August – St Mary’s Courses

St Mary’s Half Course – 8 km

Ideal for beginners and intermediate swimrunners.

Solo: £65 Early Bird.  £70 from 1st Feb.  £75 from 1st May.

Pairs: £110 Early Bird.  £120 from 1st Feb.  £140 from 1st May.

St Mary’s Full Course – 16 km

A classic Scilly Swimrun challenge around the largest island.

  • Solo: £120 (£130 from 1st May.)

  • Pairs: £200 £220 from 1st May.)

Whether you're a seasoned athlete, an adventure seeker, or a first-time swimrunner, this course offers two amazing adventures of swimrunning on Scilly.

Enter the St Mary's 8 or 16km Swimrun event here
8km time and distance chart.
16km time and distance chart.

Mandatory Kit

  • Wetsuit – (NOT a Trisuit!)

  • Whistle, easily accessible.

  • Foldable cup/soft flask

Optional Kit

  • Pull bouy / calf floats.

  • paddles

  • Tether (bungee to join pairs together)

route GPX St Mary's 8km

Why Scilly Swimrun?

  • The only UK swimrun with authentic inter-island swimming

  • Courses featuring full island circumnavigations

  • Stunning routes through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

  • Crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines, and iconic island scenery

  • A welcoming community atmosphere with events for adults, juniors, and first-timers

Safety boat watching over swimrun participants

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Everyone is to make their own way to and from the event. Most people will be staying on St Mary’s so it will be a short walk. If you are staying ‘off island’ you will need to contact a boat service to transport you to and from the events

  • Temperatures in July are usually range from 14-16.

    Temperatures in August are usually in the range from 15 - 16.

  • We have a dedicated medical team both on land and sea. We also have a large water safety team in powerboats covering all the swims

  • The Scilly Swimruns allows both solo and team participants. If you can find another person to team up with, Race director, Wez believes that you take the strengths from both team members plus have an adventure to share.

  • We have many positives on Scilly; inter island swimming, quiet beaches, incredible trails with stunning views, crystal clear sea, a super friendly atmosphere with the emphasis on a great day out more than winning, but the quiet secret difference is that everyone has to stay over for a day or two, meaning you often see or participate in more than one event, and when your event is finished, there is no temptation to rush off, you can sit and enjoy celebrating with your fellow swimrunners and race team for the rest of the evening, and possibly for the next few days!

  • If you are on Scilly anyway, whether supporting a partner or friend or just on holiday and want to get involved, just drop us an email. Swimrun needs a big group of volunteers and its a great way to be part of something incredible.

  • During early spring we will sit with boat compaines to work out the best value options for spectators to follow the race.