The Swimmer Copenhagen

The Swimmer Copenhagen

On an early crisp sunny Saturday morning in April a group of swimmers and runners got together for the first “The Swimmer” in Copenhagen. Our meeting location, Social Brew, was buzzing with chats, excitement, the smell of coffee and croissants while everyone was getting ready for the run through Copenhagen. 

The Swimmer is an informal swim-run that started in London back in 2012, by our friends from Above Below – an amazing outdoor brand and Cross Country Swimming initiative. The idea and name of “The Swimmer” comes from John Cheever’s short story and 1968 film with Burt Lancaster. It’s a story about a man who swims home through the pools of his neighbours, and life. It’s a dark story but also an amazing film which gave birth to The Swimmer. 

The Swimmer made it to Copenhagen when a couple of passionate and like-minded people met and inspired each other to take part in swimming events across the North Sea – a common spark of bringing people together by water and adventure was ignited. This collaboration is showing the power of swimming and it’s ability to bring people together. The City of Copenhagen provides the perfect conditions for a swim run with all the beautiful spots around the city according to the founder of Above Below and The Swimmer, Will Watt. We happily hosted a few experienced “The Swimmer” participants from London who came all the way to try the water in Copenhagen, as well as curious souls living in Copenhagen.

The Motto of The Swimmer is:
“Enjoyment not endurance, we take the finest route not the fastest. Smile, breathe and go slowly.”

And that’s what we did. As a group we ran a scenic route of Copenhagen, first passing the City Hall, Tivoli, The Glyptotek before reaching the first stop at “Bølgen” by Kalvebod Bølge where we enjoyed the first swim in the sunshine. Everyone was ecstatic and ready for the next run along the harbour. The wind started picking up on the way to the second stop at Islands Brygge – another beautiful spot by the Copenhagen harbour where residents enjoy the bathing zone throughout the year. It even has a 5m high jumping tower and some of the participants bravely entered the water by jumping from the top. The cold water, sunshine and good company kept everyone going for the last stretch passing the centre of the harbour with a view of the Parliament and The Opera. We ran through the beautiful Christania before continuing the last part of the journey towards the city beach of Copenhagen. A few swans and a warm sauna welcomed us at Amager Beach Park and everyone enjoyed a well deserved BMO, coffee and Simply chocolate in the sunshine after the 10 km run and 3 dips.

The Swimmer CPH contained everything I love in one activity; running and water – and even with a focus on the social and “everyone-can-join”.
On the day, many people from London, where The Swimmer originally originates from, took part, and following them through beautiful, spring-fresh Copenhagen, reminded me of what a lovely and “swimable” city we live in.”

– Karina Koning, participant

The feedback from all the participants and volunteers have been amazing and this is definitely not the last time we are hosting The Swimmer Copenhagen. Stay tuned for more.

If you are keen to attend one in London you have to wait until October, keep an eye out here: Experiences — Above | Below (abovebelow.sc)