The 2015 Loch Gu Loch SwimRun
The inaugural Loch Gu Loch SwimRun took place last weekend near the famed Loch Ness in Scotland, and we have truly stunning images from the event that was won by the mixed team of Graeme Stewart and Bonnie van Wilgenburg. Stewart finished 4th at Norseman earlier this summer, and won Celtman in 2013, and he now demonstrated that he can win SwimRun events too, with the help of van Wilgenburg. But enough with the words, enjoy the pictures.
Chris Stirling and Stuart Macleod of team Zone 3 pushing through tall brush on the way to the next swim.
Just over 50 teams of two athletes each assembled at Urquhart Castle to participate in this unique event inspired by ÖTILLÖ.
Time to get in the water for a long opening swim at Loch Gu Loch.
Fast teams managed the swim in a time of low- to mid-30s.
As with many other SwimRun events, getting out of the cold water on slippery terrain makes for a unique challenge.
Early on, several teams were still relatively close together.
On the throttle to get to the next swim section.
Chris Stirling and Stuart Macleod in full flight down this path towards the water, but their day did not end well. They missed a course marker and had to be rescued, cold and stranded.
Tethering is allowed and can be helpful at the SwimRun races, and so are paddles and pull buoys, but all gear has to be carried the whole way.
Anders Wallensten and Johanna Wallensten of team Aidventure in pursuit of François-Xavier Li and
Christophe Testu of team Equipe Mange Tout François, on the way to 14th and 15th place respectively.
Germans Andre Hook and Burkhard Brosius of Team Potsdam on the way to second place overall.
Jan Kriska leads his son Matus Kriska on the way to 6th place. A navigation error cost them some time.
Bonnie van Wilgenburg and Graeme Stewart were superb on this day and finished first overall.
Back in the water, again and again.
The water was cold and the surroundings serene.
Matus Kriska leads his father Jan in this water section, using the paddles well.
Gemma Chaters and Victoria Dodd on the way to 34th place.
Stunning views wherever you look.
Swedes Marten Vidlund and Matti Tordsson of team Örebro AIK on the way to 16th place.
All images © Stephen Ashworth of Lake District Images.
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