Swimrun Australia is taking things to the next level. For the first time, their Sydney North event will feature an Ultra distance course, stretching an epic 26.5km from Sirius Cove Reserve, near Taronga Zoo, to Manly Beach.

It’s the longest swimrun distance ever held in Australia, and it’s set to be a game-changer.

Race director Andre Slade says the addition of the Ultra is a direct response to the growing appetite for more formidable challenges.

“We’ve been running swimrun events in Sydney for a few years now, and the Ultra felt like the natural next step,” said Mr Slade.

“People have been asking for a longer, tougher challenge, and this course definitely delivers that.

“The Ultra is the longest and toughest course we’ve ever put on in Sydney.”

A journey through Sydney Harbour

The new route is more than just distance; it’s a tour of Sydney Harbour like never before. Competitors will start at Sirius Cove Reserve, wind their way past Taronga Zoo, swim across hidden pockets of the harbour, and tackle trails and beaches before the final push onto Manly Beach.

“The route crosses past Taronga Zoo and winds its way through the harbour to finish on the beach at Manly,” said Mr Slade.

“At one point, you’re swimming right near the zoo, you might even hear the animals.

“From Taronga to Manly, you’ll see the harbour in a way most people never do. It’s a big day out on the harbour, swims, trails, beaches, and plenty of grit.”

A test of endurance and teamwork

With 26.5km of running and swimming, multiple transitions, and some serious climbs, the Ultra is designed to push teams to their limits.

“It’s definitely not an easy course,” said Mr Slade.

“The distance, the climbs, and the number of transitions will test people, but that’s what makes finishing it so rewarding.

“Swimrun is always about teamwork, and the Ultra takes that to another level. You’ve got to rely on each other and get through it together, which makes crossing the line even more meaningful.”

Limited to 50 teams

To ensure safety and exclusivity, only 50 teams will be able to take on the inaugural Ultra.

“We’ve capped the Ultra at 50 teams,” said Mr Slade.

“That keeps it manageable from a safety point of view, but it also makes it a bit special for those who get in.”

More than just a race

For Slade, the Ultra is about more than just kilometres covered; it’s about giving athletes a journey they’ll never forget.

“When we first started talking about the Ultra, the idea was to really showcase Sydney Harbour in a way that hadn’t been done before,” said Mr Slade.

“We wanted a course that pushed people to their limits but also gave them a journey through some of the most iconic and hidden parts of the harbour.

“From crossing past Taronga Zoo to the swims across North Harbour and the final run onto Manly Beach, it’s a proper test.

“But more than that, it’s about doing it with a teammate, helping each other through, and sharing the whole experience together.”

The Swimrun Ultra at Sydney North is not just another distance; it’s a milestone for the sport in Australia. For the 50 teams who secure a place, it promises to be the toughest and most rewarding swimrun yet.