Folkhälsan Swimrun

Folkhälsan Swimrun Solvalla 10 th anniversary event 14th September 2024! Registration has started.

Registration has started.
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You can see the routes on the map (open a bigger size map by clicking on it):

Learn more about Folkhälsan Swimrun:

 

 

 

Registration

Here you can register for the upcoming Folkhälsan Swimrun Solvalla events.

Information about the race

Registration for the Folkhälsan Swimrun Solvalla event.

Sprint:

14.4 km (Running 12 km, Swimming 2.4 km) The running sections of the Sprint route mainly take place on forest trails, some of which are also highly technical. The terrain is also variable in terms of elevation. There are 8 running sections with the longest run being 3 km. The swims are straight, so the finish line is always visible from the starting point. Entry and exit points into the water have been made easy. There are 7 swimming sections with the longest swim being 500 m. There is one refreshment station along the route at approximately 9 km.

 

Endurance:

22 km (Running 18 km, Swimming 4 km) The running sections of the Endurance route vary between forest trails and sandy paths. Technically, the route is easier than the Sprint route. There are many flatter sections on the route, but the challenge comes from several major climbs such as the Swinghill ski slope and the Pitkäjärvi stairs. There are 13 running sections, with the longest being 3.3 km. The swimming sections range from longer to very short distances. Buoys are also used on the route to facilitate navigation, as not all swims are straight. In the most challenging entry and exit points into the water, a rope can be used for assistance. There are 11 swimming sections with the longest swim being 900 m, which is done twice. There are 5 refreshment stations along the route. It is possible to leave personal snacks at the 2nd refreshment station before the start.

 

Noux Race:

Sprint + Endurance routes

  • Swimming cap, 1/participant
  • Race number, 1/participant (please return it, it is part of the race's sustainable development program)
  • Timing
  • Drinks and snacks during the race
  • Hot soup after crossing the finish line
  • Meal for participants after the race
  • Sauna by the beach after the race
  • Possible sponsor announcements and/or products
  • The top three participants in each race category will be awarded.

More info in January 2024. 

At the race office: on Friday from 14:00 to 21:00 or on Saturday from 07:30 to 10:45, but no later than 60 minutes before your start time.

The trails are technically demanding with roots, steep ascents, and slippery areas. Keep your eyes open! The water temperature is expected to be between 12-17°C.

Preliminary schedule:

07:30 Race office opens

07:30-08:30 On-site registrations at the race office for Merit Race and Sprint.

08:00-10:30 On-site registrations at the race office for Endurance.

10:00 Start, Noux Race

10:15 Start, Sprint

12:00 Start, Endurance

The schedule for award ceremonies will be announced later.

You can find the competition rules on this page.

Equipment during the race

Mandatory equipment for all teams:

  • 1 waterproof first aid bandage in a waterproof package per team
  • 2 wetsuits, one for each participant. Designed for water temperatures: 12-15°C
  • 2 whistles, one per person
  • 1 rescue blanket per team
  • 2 drinking cups (1 per participant). Disposable cups may not be available at the refreshment stations

We also recommend:

  • Hydration bladder or similar
  • Swim goggles
  • Swim fins
  • Tether rope
  • GPS watch or compass

Folkhälsan Swimrun provides teams with:

  • Number bibs (must be worn and visible throughout the entire race)
  • Route maps
  • Timing
  • Swim caps (must be worn during all swimming sections)

Prohibited equipment:

  • Floatation devices larger than 100 cm x 60 cm
  • Wetsuits with water-soluble paint or coloring added
  • Equipment may be subject to random checks after the race.

 

Detailed information about the equipment:

 

Wetsuit:

There are many different types of wetsuits designed specifically for swimrun. Swimrun wetsuits usually have a zipper on the front, which allows for ventilation if it gets too hot during the running stages. Swimrun wetsuits are also adapted for running. Most swimrun wetsuits also include a whistle, which is a mandatory safety device.

 

Folkhälsan Swimrun does not have specific requirements for the wetsuit used in the race. However, we recommend choosing a wetsuit that is comfortable to swim in when the water temperature is between 10-15°C. The wetsuit can have short or long sleeves. The most important thing is that the wetsuit fits well and prevents water from freely entering inside

Number bibs:

The number bib provided by Folkhälsan Swimrun must be worn throughout the entire race. As we aim to organize an environmentally friendly event, our goal is to reuse the number bibs in future years. Please help us by returning your number bib to the designated bin after crossing the finish line.

 

Swim cap:

Folkhälsan Swimrun provides you with a swim cap for the race. It is mandatory to wear it during the swimming sections. If desired, you can wear another swim cap or neoprene headband underneath for warmth.

 

GPS watch or compass:

For safety reasons, we recommend all teams to have a GPS watch or compass.

 

First aid equipment:

All teams must have the following equipment during the race:

  • 1 first aid pressure bandage in a waterproof package per team
  • 2 whistles, 1 per person
  • 1 rescue blanket per team

Random equipment checks may be conducted before and after the race. Teams may be disqualified if they do not have the mandatory equipment.

Shoes:

During the Swimrun race, there are no equipment changes – running shoes are worn during the swimming sections, and wetsuits are worn while running. Therefore, choose lightweight, buoyant, and quick-drying shoes. It is also important to ensure that the shoes fit properly and do not come off while swimming. Check that the shoes provide reasonable traction, as the course includes varied and uneven terrain.

 

Optional equipment:

Swim goggles:

Most teams participating in Swimrun use swim goggles, but they are not mandatory. Swim goggles protect the eyes and enhance visibility in the water and underwater. However, they must be carried throughout the entire course.

 

Hand paddles:

Hand paddles come in different sizes and types, catering to different levels of swimrun enthusiasts. Hand paddles can improve technique and increase power during the swimming sections. It is recommended to practice with hand paddles in advance and find the ones that suit you best.

 

Pull buoy:

A pull buoy is a figure-eight-shaped float made of closed-cell foam or foam material used in swimming training. It is placed between the thighs or ankles to support the body, allowing the legs to rest without kicking. This enables swimmers to focus on using their arms while giving the hips and legs a break during the swimming sections.

 

Towline

The main purpose of a towline is to assist the weaker swimmer during the swimming sections. While not mandatory, we recommend using a towline. It helps the pair stay together during the swimming sections

Beach saunas are open to participants after the competition from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

There are changing rooms available in Solvalla Arena and the Main Building (Solvalla Center). The changing rooms in Solvalla Arena are reserved for Swimrun event participants (lockable lockers operate with a 1 euro coin).

There is also a supervised storage space for bags at the event center.

After crossing the finish line, hot soup will be available. Additionally, all participants can enjoy a complimentary warm buffet in the institute's restaurant from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM after the competition ends.

Information regarding special dietary requirements should be sent to swimrun@folkhalsan.fi.

There are a total of 5 aid stations along the race course (1 on the Sprint route, 3 on the Endurance route, and 5 on the Noux Race route).

Participants of the Noux Race are allowed to bring their own food to aid station 2. It is located at the starting and finishing area and is reached after covering approximately 14 km. Broken equipment and trash can also be left at this aid station.

You can find the route map by clicking here.

Additional information

2014: Solvalla Swimrun was the first Swimrun competition to be held in Finland. 16 teams competed in the full distance race, which was the only distance to be arranged. In 2014 Solvalla Swimrun became an ÖtillÖ Partner Race.

2015: The participation numbers doubled, and the sprint race was organized for the first time.

2016: Approximately 70 teams participated in Solvalla Swimrun.

2017: Solvalla Swimrun Endurance route was introduced.
96 teams were on the starting line. All ÖtillÖ Partner races, including Solvalla Swimrun, became ÖtillÖ Merit races.

Solvalla is a national sports institute that stands on the shore of Lake Pitkäjärvi, next to Nuuksio National Park. In this area in Espoo, Finland, nature is unique, beautiful and untouched. Solvalla is located approx. 35 km from Helsinki city center and 17 km from Espoo city center.

Solvalla offers, among other courses, sports instructor and massage therapist qualifications. The courses are stimulating and provide good work prospects within the sports, health, and wellness industries, as well as within the field of youth and leisure activities.

Solvalla Sports Institute’s facilities include a Sports Arena, football field, gym, spinning studio, dance studio, boxing facilities, accommodation for approx. 100 guests, and 2 lakeside saunas. Solvalla organizes a variety of instructed activities, such as indoor climbing, canoeing, and sports related team activities.

Thanks to our extensive facilities and activities, we can provide an excellent meeting and training place for sports teams, companies, schools, and nurseries.

At Folkhälsan Swimrun, we are grateful for the pristine nature that allows us to arrange our race in such a beautiful environment. Our aim is to organize a green race and to promote sustainability so that we can arrange races many more years to come.

To protect the beautiful environment we do the following:

• We collect all race bibs after the race, with the aim of reusing them in the coming races. Please return your bib after the race.

• We forbid the racers from leaving any trash or equipment along the course. All trash and equipment must be carried to the finish line or thrown in bins at the aid stations.

• We enforce a rule that states that racers who deliberately leave trash in the forest may be subject to disqualification.

The amount of disposable cups usually used in sports events is huge, and this takes its toll on the environment. Inspired by our fellow race organizers at ÖtillÖ Merit Races, we aim to reduce the amount of paper cups used in our race. Therefore we encourage all teams to bring their own cups and/or flasks to Folkhälsan Swimrun.

For more information and requests:

solvalla@folkhalsan.fi 

phone: 09 867 8430

Folkhälsan Swimrun is organized by Solvalla Sports Institute. 
Address: Nuuksiontie 82, 02820 Espoo

Public transport
From the airport you can take the local train to the Huopalahti station. At Huopalahti you need to switch trains and get a local train to Espoo city centre. From Espoo city center, bus service 245 / 245A / 245K (Nuuksionpää or Kattila) goes to Solvalla Sports Institute.

For more information about public transport in the capital area please visit: https://www.hsl.fi/en or www.reittiopas.fi

For more information about accommodation during the competition, please contact us: solvalla@folkhalsan.fi

 

Head of Race Course: Heikki Kiili
E-mail: surename.lastname@folkhalsan.fi
Tel.+358 50 5901275

The persons listed above also form the jury to which the participants can make a protest. The protest fee is € 50 and will be returned if the protest is approved.

Folkhälsan Swimrun on Instagram

Contact

    • Swimrun

      Race Director

    • Tel:
      044 248 4040

    • Contact