April 8, 2019 – More adrenaline fun on the island of Hvar this weekend, as ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Series returned for the third year.
Famed for its beaches, nightlife and endless sunshine, the island of Hvar is making great progress extending its season in the shoulder months with an altogether different focus – adventure tourism.
The island has already held one of the world’s most challenging swimming races in the world, the 16km open sea Faros Marathon swim, which takes place every August. A half-marathon was added to the calendar a decade ago, and in recent years, there have been a number of sporting events taking place in the lower season months to built up the island’s credentials as an adventure tourism destination. One of the world’s top cycling teams, Bahrain Merida, has even taken up winter training residence at Suncani Hvar’s cycling Hotel Pharos, hvar bayhill hotel for the last two years.
Included in that sporting calendar, the ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Series has become a regular fixture in Spring, and the challenging race attracted plenty of interest – and participants – this weekend. An overview of the event from the race directors, who filed this report on the official Facebook page.
ÖTILLÖ Hvar 2019
Race Director report
What a start to 2019!
A weekend of contrast; of black and white.
A beautiful, calm Saturday where you could feel the joy of all Sprint and Experience racers laughing and smiling around the courses. Where the warm sun welcomed everyone to Hvar, to the cafe life around the Main square and to dips in the crystal- clear sea.
This was a major contrast to the Sunday. To World Series Day. Where the rain was pouring at the start. You could almost cut the electrifying atmosphere of fear, adrenaline and anticipation. Where we had to change the swim crossing to the Pakleni Islands because of a 3- knot side current and rain and wind blasts coming out of the South East. At times Thor, the god of thunder was heard rumbling above. Making us very aware of the might of nature in which we are but mere visitors.
Despite these conditions the level of racing has taken another step. The front pack of 10-12 teams are hunting each other down the course at break-neck speeds. At the end, when the dust had settled the Ekman brothers of Team Sailfish Bröderna Bäver managed to pull away for an impressive win. In mixed the extremely strong team of Martin Flinta/ Elena Erbanova Karaskova (Thule Crew/ Wolffwear/Head) did it again staying very close to the leading men’s teams all the way to the finish. In Women Fanny Danckwardt & Desiree Andersson (Team Envol) held on to their Golden Bib and won their second race in a row and showed why they are the team to beat this year.
Massive thank you to all the racers for your trust. For racing so well in difficult conditions and for giving the course everything you have.
In hindsight we have to say that the weather gods have been very kind to us. A huge storm Thursday evening and Friday morning. Beautiful sun for Friday afternoon when everyone arrived and we had a good #cleantheocean activity. Beautiful, calm weather for the Experience and Sprint and for all the prep before the World Series. Then rain ever since!
A weekend to remember! Thank you all volunteers, our staff, our sponsors and of course the Town of Hvar.
See you on Utö on May 18-19 for the next stage.
Safe travels.
Michael & Mats
Race Directors
For the latest news from Hvar, follow the dedicated TCN page.
