Records tumble as Wales Swimrun welcomes its most international field yet!

Dutch athlete Deborah Wissink becomes the fastest competitor ever to complete the Pembrokeshire course as women take the top two places

The Wales Swimrun delivered an incredible day of racing on Saturday 1 August, and it was the female competitors who stole the show.

Leading the way was Dutch national Deborah Wissink, crowned the new Wales Swimrun Champion after completing the course in a remarkable 04:22:25. Her time was five minutes faster than the previous overall course record, making her the fastest competitor ever to finish the event, on a course that combines challenging open-water sea swimming with tough trail running along the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast Path, from Freshwater East through Manorbier, Lydstep and Tenby to the finish at Saundersfoot Harbour.

Deborah wasn't the only woman rewriting the record books. Tamzin Clark secured second place in 04:36:17, also inside the previous women's course record. Two athletes breaking that mark on the same day was a fantastic showcase of the strength of women in the sport.

This year's race welcomed the highest proportion of international athletes in the event's history to Saundersfoot Village, with the Wales Swimrun's place in the ENVOL Global Swimrun Series continuing to draw competitors from around the world to the UK's only coastal national park. 

The weekend began on Friday evening with welcome drinks, a carb-load meal and a bib presentation for all athletes, giving competitors from home and abroad the chance to come together before taking on the coast the following morning.

Saturday also saw the first-ever Pembrokeshire Trail Run, held alongside the Swimrun and offering runners 25km and 14km routes along the same spectacular stretch of coastline. The new event opens up the Pembrokeshire coast to runners who want the scenery and the challenge without the swim, and it will return in 2027.

Entries are now open for 2027

Both events return on Saturday 24 July 2027. Entries are open now, with solo and team places across Full and Sprint distances and a payment plan available!

Congratulations to Deborah, Tamzin and every competitor who took on the Wales Swimrun!