8th Backwaterman SwimRun
28th of June 2026
The Last One
Discover the majesty of Scandinavian landscapes alongside legendary knights
Our Motto 2026: "Enjoy the LAST ONE"
After 20 years full of sweat, goosebumps, perseverance, and unforgettable emotions, Backwaterman 2026 will take place for the last time – marking the final chapter in the history of the 8th Backwaterman SwimRun.
This final edition is not meant to be a quiet farewell – but a celebration for everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.
And it will be a Big Bang goodbye with the organization of the:
My SwimRun World Championships Marathon
We want to dive in with you one last time – into the adventure, the stillness of the lake, and the power of the competition.
To make this farewell special, we’ll be offering some unique features:
- A new course layout with 50% completely new trails for the marathon distance
- Get-together on June 27 with the Parade of Nations
- Presentation and press conference with the top favorites
-
All 5-time SwimRun participants receive a free entry of their choice
(Please contact us at: office@openwaterserie.com) -
All marathon winners (Knights and Dames of Ottenstein) receive a 21% bonus
(Please contact us at: office@openwaterserie.com) - A grand raffle at the end of the marathon awards ceremony
- We will design a special cult T-shirt, available for pre-order at a special price and in custom sizes
- Over the coming months, we’ll share anecdotal stories, with many prizes to win
In 2026, we will follow the 2025 program, which includes the following highlights:
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Location: Deckerspitz.
The new venue location already proved itself in 2025. Due to the growing tourist traffic around the Ottenstein boat docks, we have moved the swim event to a quieter part of the reservoir – directly on the largest bathing meadow at Deckerspitz (near Mitterreith/Zwettl) - The entire event at one location: headquarters, registration, start/finish, refreshments, and the get-together
- More space to relax and enjoy after the race
Discover more than a race
Be a Backwaterman 2026!
Arrival & Registration
Registration opens November 1st, 2025.
new with refundable booking service
The marathon and half-marathon distances will take place simultaneously and serve as a
Qualifier Event for the My SwimRun Championships.
SwimRun Trial
For our beginners
The program includes 7,8 k in the heart of the Ottensteiner reservoir and their winding paths.
2 Run and 2 Swim parts create variety and the structure for an exciting introduction to the SwimRun scene.
Longest swim: 650 m
Longest run 5600 m
Total swim 1000 m
Total run: 6800 m
Total: 7,8 k
Altitude: 190 m
link
SwimRun Half Marathon
Challenging and yet doable
The 22.3 km course around the Ottenstein Reservoir and its fjord-like bays can be completed individually or as a team.
The half marathon also features new course sections along the Purzelkamp River and across the dam wall.
The stunning rock formations around Lichtenfels Castle are complemented by the solitude of the Waldviertel region and its diverse, scenic landscapes.
Longest swim 900 m
Longest run 5200 m
Total swim 4100 m
Total run: 18.2km
Total 22,3 k
Altitude: 400 m
link
SwimRun Marathon
The ultimate challenge
50% new course sections to be completed in a single loop.
The race includes 6.6 km of swimming and 26.6 km of running.
You’ll pass by natural wonders and cultural highlights, conquering nearly 800 meters of elevation on varied trails.
With 12 swim sections and 11 run segments, this course offers plenty of variety and excitement.
Longest swim 1100 m
Longest run 5200 m
Total swim 6600 m
Total run: 26,6 km
Total 33,1
km
Altitude: 800 m
link
Backwaterman SwimRun
is a Qualifier Event
for Sprint, Halfmarathon and Marathon , Team and Solo
Your benefits
-
Discover the best SwimRun sceneries of Europe, discover the fjordlike nature of the Ottensteiner lake
- Championships for different distances apply better to individual strengths
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3 Championships (Marathon, Half Marathon, Sprint) are hold at 3 differents events on a rolling basis
- Enjoy the different flavour and special culture at different locations from individual organizers
-
Annual ranking of your points you gathered at our qualifier races for sprint, halfmarathon and marathon
- Enjoy the image status having been qualified for the Championships or your annual ranking
Green deal
Our environment secures our future.
We also want to make our contribution. For years we have been recognized as a particularly sustainable event.
We are now going one step further and supporting sustainable travel.
We offer a bonus of 10% of the respective entry fee for all those athletes who arrive sustainably (ie in
the form of public transport such as train, bus or bicycle).
This bonus is collected and invested in a sustainable project in the region. This is determined together with the municipality/NÖN.
Proof is provided on site by means of a ticket etc.
Impressions from past years
