MADEIRA SWIMRUN

Madeira Swimrun begins unconventionally: participants are transported by sea to Ponta de Sao Lourenco before starting their journey back toward Machico. This swimrun on Madeira, the Portuguese island in the Atlantic, has been held annually since 2017. Racers alternate between trail running and open-water swimming, rather than completing a single long swim and run. The event, also known as A Prola do Atlantico, features suitable conditions: air temperatures typically range from 17 C to 25 C, with sea water averaging 18 C to 22 C. The Standard race covers 25.510 km total, comprising 22.150 km of running and 3.360 km of swimming across five run and five swim sections. It includes 1,370 m of elevation gain and has a six-hour time limit. An individual Sprint race is also offered, spanning 11.380 km with 9.150 km of running and 2.230 km of swimming over three runs and three swims, featuring 582 m of climbing and a four-hour limit. The course crosses Madeira's eastern trails and coastline, avoiding a simple resort loop. Runners ascend segments like Pico do Facho before entering the sea for crossings at locations such as Prainha and Ribeira do Natal. The longest swim is 1,100 m for both Standard and Sprint courses. The longest run measures 8.500 km on the Standard route and 4.500 km on the Sprint. Consequently, the race consistently challenges athletes to transition between climbing, descending, swimming, and running in wet gear. The finish line is located in Machico. The local club Ludens Machico organizes the event, with assistance from the Madeira Regional Triathlon Association. Open to athletes of various skill levels, the race attracts participants from Portugal and internationally, contributing to an adventurous island-race atmosphere distinct from a purely local club event.