SWIM→RUN

What is it?

A fast, fun swim→ run on Vancouver’s iconic waterfront.
Start with a 750 m swim in English Bay alongside athletes in the Second Beach Open Water Swim,
exit at Second Beach, switch to your run gear, and head out for a
2.5 km run along the Seawall!

LIMITED TO 100 PARTICIPANTS
Simple, scenic, and perfect for first-timers and speedsters alike.

Distances

  • Swim: 750 m (English Bay)
  • Run: 2.5 km (Seawall out-and-back)
  • Format: Swim → Transition at Second Beach → Run. Individual & 2-person Teams!

REGISTRATION

Schedule (tentative)

  • Check-in & Chip Pickup: 9:00–9:30 AM (Second Beach)
  • Aquathlon Athlete Briefing: 9:40 AM (at the beach start)
  • Swim Start: 9:45 AM (wave starts with the 750m Open Water Swim racers)
  • Run Start: Immediately after your swim exit & T1
  • Results: Shortly after last finisher

Courses

Swim (750 m): Marked triangle/rectangle in English Bay using the Second Beach Open Water Swim buoys. Lifeguards, kayaks, and support on course.
Transition (T1): At/near Second Beach — quick gear change!.
Run (2.5 km): Scenic Seawall out-and-back. Flat, paved, fast. Marshals and cones at the turnaround.  Your Run Map

Gear & Rules

  • Wetsuits: Allowed and recommended (weather & water temp dependent).
  • Timing: Chip-timed TBC. Wear your chip on the ankle for swim and run.
  • Footwear: Shoes must be worn on the run; no bare-foot running on the Seawall.
  • Swim Aids: Standard tri rules — no fins, paddles, or propulsion devices.
  • Headphones: Not permitted on course.
  • Cut-offs: Swim 30 min; total event 90 minutes.

Safety

  • Professional water safety (lifeguards, kayaks, rescue).
  • Medical on site at Second Beach.
  • Follow marshal instructions and yield to pedestrians on the Seawall as needed.
HOW TO TRANSITION

Haven’t done an Aquathlon before?  While similar to a triathlon transition, you have less equipment, wet feet and should be done FAST!

  1. Find Your Spot: Go to your assigned transition space (marked by race number). If it’s open-choice, pick a spot you’ll remember easily.
  2. Set Your Towel: Put down a small, bright towel. It marks your space and gives you a clean spot to stand on.
  3. Position Your Shoes: Place your running shoes on the towel with the heels facing you for a quick slip-on.
    1. Pro tip: Use elastic “speed laces” to avoid tying.
    2. Socks (Optional): If you’re wearing socks, roll them down and place one in each shoe for fast access. Remember this is a quick 2.5k run.  You can likely manage without socks.  Just make sure your feet are clean from sand!
  4. Shirt: Your torso does have to be covered.  Fold it neatly and place it beside or on top of your shoes.
  5. Race Belt: If you use a race belt, unclasp it and lay it on top of your shoes so you can grab it and step straight into it.
  6. Visualize & Keep It Tight: Walk yourself through the steps. Keep everything tidy and within your space so you’re not crowding others.
  7. Swim Gear Drop: After the swim, toss your cap and goggles into a small designated spot (like a corner of your towel or into a small bag) so they’re out of the way.