SwimRun San Juan Islands

Following on the success of the introduction of swimrun to North America over the last three years with Casco Bay Islands SwimRun, SwimRun USA is pleased to bring you a second swimrun event in the US, consisting of multiple, alternating swim and overland running legs on Orcas Island and Moran State Park.

Situated on Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, this adventure will be an instant hit with those looking for the next big challenge. With an endless array of trails through Moran State Park, panoramic views from atop Mt. Constitution and crystal clear mountain lakes serving as swim crossings, this course will test each and every team to its core.

San Juan Islands SwimRun is primarily a two-person team event - though limited slots are available for a special, solo athlete category. Not a relay, teammates must race the entire course together. Rules permit swim aids such as hand paddles, pull buoys, wetsuits and even swim fins to name a few. Certain safety gear is mandated by race rules and hydration and race fuel can be carried too, but what one starts with, so too must they finish with. Changing from trail shoes to swim fins, or tending to awkward gear can chew up valuable time. Having the right teammate and equipment can make all the difference.

The Long Course will feature 18 miles of trail running and 2.5 miles of swimming broken up over 25 different sections, 13 runs and 12 swims. The race starts at Camp Moran with a dash and splash across Cascade Lake before taking athletes on trails over to Rosario Marina. 

Are you ready to climb? You will do the majority of your running on trails, broken up by pristine lake swim crossings, through Moran State Park and up to the summit of Mount Constitution, the tallest peak in the San Juans. Your effort will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the San Juans, of the mainland and of Canada!

The next few miles are downhill, with swim crossings of the Twin Lakes, before another climb starts up to Mount Pickett. Your return route will take you past Mountain and Cascade Lakes before finishing at Camp Moran. 

With over 6000 feet of vertical feet gained, the long course route is truly an epic odyssey!

The Short(er) Course and Solo will be 8+ miles of running and 1.5+ miles of swimming broken up over 13 different sections, 7 runs and 6 swims. This course will likely take faster teams at least 2-2.5 hours to complete. Be prepared for a challenge!  

Quick Highlights:

LONG COURSE
Total Running: 18 miles
Total Swimming: 3+ miles
# of Segments: 13 runs, 12 swims
# of Lakes Crossed: 4
# of Mountains Summited: 2
# of Vertical Feet Gained: 6000+

SHORT COURSE/SOLO
Total Running: 8+ miles
Total Swimming: 1.5 miles
# of Segments: 7 runs, 6 swims
# of Lakes Crossed: 2
# of Vertical Feet Gained: 2150+

Hopefuls are encouraged to visit the SwimRun USA website and watch our short video from last year's SwimRun Casco Bay Islands event to learn more about this challenging sport and gain insight on optimal gear selection. SwimRun San Juan Islands is produced by SwimRun USA LLC and Quest Races LLC.