The Guide to SwimRun: Ready. Steady. Go to Stunning Hydra

What is SwimRun?

SwimRun is a very unique and challenging race, where athletes participate in pairs, competing on cross country/ train runs as well as open water swimming courses without stopping in between.

One of the biggest challenges of the race is that each pair of athletes is tied together with an elastic rope while competing. Moreover, athletes switch between running and swimming many times during a single race, running in their wetsuits and swimming in their trainers.

What are the SwimRun regulations?

Each pair must run the entire race and finish together, tied together with the special rope provided by the organizer.

Each pair must start and finish the race finish together, both tied together with the special rope provided by the organizers.

When was SwimRun introduced in Greece?

SwimRun was first introduced in Greece in Hydra on November 2018.

In fact, the initial plan was that there will be 3 alternations of each of the two sports (swimming and running) for a total race distance of 14.7 km (3.7k swimming and 11k running). However, due to weather conditions, there are only two alternations for a total distance of 13.1 km (3.1k swimming and 10k running).

What are the distances in SwimRun in Hydra?

– Initiation to SwimRun 9.4 (Swim 0.6k | Run 4k | Swim 0.9k | Run 3.9k) and

– Core distance SwimRun 23.6 (Swim 1.5k | Run 5.5k | Swim 1.7k | Run 7.8k | Swim 2.6k | Run 4.5k)

When will the next SwimRun in Hydra take place?

In 2021, the SwimRun Hydra is taking place on November 19, 20, and 21 on the Island of Hydra.

Are kids allowed to participate in SwimRun Hydra 2021?

Certainly! For children there are many activities. The consent of both parents in required.

Note that children who wish to participate in the SwimRun race should be already athletes and their trainer/ coach must assure that the child is in the position to finish the race.

Moreover, parents and kids can participate together.

For more information: https://trimore.gr/el/events/trimore-m-t-swinrun-hydra

What is the program of SwimRun 2021 in Hydra?

19th November 2021

• 17.30 – 20.30 Athlete’s Kit Pick up / Athlete’s Kit Pick up
• 20.45 – 21.15 Motivational Speech / Inspire me Speech
• 21.15 – 22.00 Technical Briefing / Race Brief
• 22.00 – 22.45 Energy Lunch / Pasta Party / Energy Food

20th November 2021

• 07.30 – 08.15 Project 11: Athlete’s Yoga in 11′ / Project 11: Athlete’s Yoga
• 07.30 – 08.15 Athlete’s Kit Pick up / Athlete’s Kit Pick up
• 08.15 – 08.30 Technical Briefing / Race Brief
• 08.30 – 14.30 SwimRun Race / SwimRun Race (Initiative & Core Distance)
• 16.00 – 17.00 Athlete’s Kit Pick up for Kid’s races
• 17.00 – 18.00 Children’s Bike Fun Race
• 18.00 – 19.00 Yoga for children / Kid’s Yoga
• 19:15 – 20:45 5k Night walk in Hydra’s Trails / 5k night walk for all in Hydra’s Trails
• 21:00 – 22:00 Awards Ceremony

21st November 2021

• 09.00 – 11.00 Athlete’s Kit Pick up for Kid’s races
• 09.00 – 10.00 Kid’s running relays
• 10.00 – 11.00 Yoga for children / Kid’s Yoga
• 11.15 – 12.15 Kids Laser Run / Kids Laser Run
• 13:00 – 13:40 Children’s Activities Awards Ceremony

FAQ about Hydra

Is Hydra Worth Visiting?

Yes Yes Yes!

Hydra is a beautiful island and has so much to offer its visitors.

You can visit museums and learn about the rich history of this powerful naval force in Greece or take part in one of many festivals like Miaoulia festival where men dress up as heroes from 1821 wearing traditional costumes with lots of pomp and circumstance!

There are also restaurants for sampling local dishes; art exhibitions; nightlife spots…even horseback riding tours, and of course, crystal clear waters for those who love swimming! The list goes on!

Is Hydra a good family destination?

Definitely!

It is near Athens so it is a perfect day trip or a getaway for a few days from Athens. There are no cars which makes it a very safe place for young kids.

Parents love the cosmopolitan vibe but coupled with a laid back atmosphere.

How far away is Hydra from Athens?

Hydra is an island so the only way to get there is by boat. It is 37 nautical miles (approximately 68km) from Athens. There are the regular passenger ferries and organized day trips by boat. You can also reach Hydra by a private sailing boat, yacht, or catamaran.

Depending on which of the above boat types you choose, you can reach Hydra from Athens from a bit more than one hour to a couple of hours

How to get to Hydra from Athens?

Athens to Hydra Ferry

Piraeus Port is the port used by all ferries from Athens to Hydra. You can catch a ferry from Piraeus to Hydra throughout the year.

You can check the Athens to Hydra ferry schedule and book your Hydra ferry ticket at www.ferryhopper.com.

Do I need to book my ferry to Hydra in advance?

We highly recommend that you book your ferry tickets (and hotel rooms!) in advance as Hydra is a popular destination for weekend getaways and during high season.

How long is the ferry ride to Hydra from Athens (Piraeus)?

The Athens to Hydra ferry duration varies from 1 hr to 2 hr. The travel time varies depending on which ferry (vessel type) you take as well as the weather conditions.

What’s the ferry schedule from Athens (Piraeus) to Hydra?

It all depends on the season. For example, during high season (July-September) there are more ferry crossings (up to 5) compared to the rest of the months, when typically there are 2 ferry crossings.

You can check at www.ferryhopper.com

Can I do island hopping from Hydra?

Hydra is connecting directly with Spetses, and Poros.

The tripfrom Hydra to Spetses is between 35 minutes – 1 hour, depending on the vessel type. Poros to Hydra is between 30 – 35 minutes.

Do I need a car while in Hydra?

NO! Hydra is a car-free island. The best way to get around the island via on foot, water taxis, bikes or on a horse/ donkey! 

Are there any events in Hydra?

Yes. There are lots of events organized in Hydra. We recommend that you check Hydra Direct.

The most famous event is the Miaoulia festival, organized by June.

Do Kids Love Greece organize any tours/ activities in Hydra?

Yes we do as we love Hydra! Actually, one of the co-founders got married in Hydra so the island is very special to our team!

Enjoy a day trip to Hydra from Athens