Managing Director, Chris Goodfellow, Shines at ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championships

This past weekend, Advent Research Materials’ Managing Director, Chris Goodfellow, took on one of the most prestigious and challenging endurance races in the world – the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championships.

Chris partnered with Swedish athlete Erik Kjellström, and together, they achieved an impressive 14th place finish in the men’s team category.

The ÖTILLÖ World Championship is no ordinary race. Known as the original swimrun event, it takes place in the breathtaking Stockholm Archipelago, spanning 70 kilometres with 46 gruelling transitions between technical trail running and open-water swimming.

Competitors must navigate between 24 islands, racing over rugged terrain and cold, choppy waters. With 9 km of swimming and 61 km of running, this event requires not only exceptional endurance but also precise teamwork and strategy.

For Chris, endurance racing is not new.

His journey into endurance sports started after a knee injury ended his semi-professional rugby career. From that moment on, Chris transitioned from the rugby pitch to the world of Ironman triathlons, where he has raced in over 20 events since 2005.

His first taste of long-distance racing came at Ironman Switzerland, where he successfully completed the race despite his knee injury.

Since then, Chris has pushed his limits time and time again, with his personal best of 8 hours 47 minutes achieved at Challenge Copenhagen in 2012.

Reflecting on his ÖTILLÖ race experience, Chris shared that, despite having raced this event three times before, this year's race was particularly tough.

The cold weather and challenging terrain pushed both body and mind to the limit. However, with a great teammate and the incredible atmosphere that always defines the event, Chris said he relished every moment of the challenge once again.

Racing alongside Erik Kjellström, a seasoned Swedish athlete, allowed the pair to showcase their determination and strategy, with a remarkable 14th place finish.

The journey from island to island is as much about adventure as it is about competition.

The ÖTILLÖ course takes athletes through one of Sweden's most beautiful natural landscapes, offering moments of serenity amidst the intensity of the race. For many, including Chris, this event is a bucket-list experience and a testament to human endurance.

Congratulations to Chris and Erik for their outstanding achievement at the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championships.

For Chris, this is another chapter in his incredible endurance racing career – and we’re certain it won’t be the last!

If you want to see the stunning environment Chris and Erik raced through, check out the ÖTILLÖ race video below;