Scilly Swimrun: St Mary's Full & Half Course
St Mary’s Swimrun is a coastal swimrun event on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly that offers two circumnavigation-based courses around the island. The event is scheduled for Thursday 27 August as part of Scilly Swimrun 2026 and features both solo and pairs entry categories.
Distances:
- 8 km St Mary’s Half Course
- 16 km St Mary’s Full Course
Entry fees listed for the half course are Solo: £65 Early Bird, £70 from 1st Feb, £75 from 1st May; Pairs: £110 Early Bird, £120 from 1st Feb, £140 from 1st May. The full course lists Solo: £120, rising to £130 from 1st May; Pairs: £200, rising to £220 from 1st May.
Mandatory kit includes a wetsuit (not a trisuit), an easily accessible whistle, and a foldable cup or soft flask. Optional equipment suggested includes a pull buoy or calf floats, paddles, and a tether to join pairs. Safety provision comprises a dedicated medical team on land and sea and a large water safety team operating in powerboats. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the event; most competitors stay on St Mary’s, while those coming from other islands will need boat transport. Typical water temperatures are given as about 14–16 °C in July and 15–16 °C in August. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Why Scilly Swimrun?
- The only UK swimrun with authentic inter-island swimming
- Courses featuring full island circumnavigations
- Stunning routes through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines, and iconic island scenery
- A welcoming community atmosphere with events for adults, juniors, and first-timers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get to the start?
Everyone is to make their own way to and from the event. Most people will be staying on St Mary’s so it will be a short walk. If you are staying ‘off island’ you will need to contact a boat service to transport you to and from the events
What will the water temperature be
Temperatures in July are usually range from 14-16.Temperatures in August are usually in the range from 15 - 16.
What kind of safety is in place?
We have a dedicated medical team both on land and sea. We also have a large water safety team in powerboats covering all the swims
Can I be a solo or pair?
The Scilly Swimruns allows both solo and team participants. If you can find another person to team up with, Race director, Wez believes that you take the strengths from both team members plus have an adventure to share.