The 2025 Bali Hope Swimrun
Monday December 1 to Thursday December 4
Make a big difference on a small island
Introduction
“Unlike anything I’d imagined. Connection, impact, challenge, support, rest - it’s the most incredible event.”
Dive into the unparalleled adventure that defines Bali Hope Swimrun, Southeast Asia’s original swim run event.
Since 2018, Bali Hope has drawn participants from across the globe, offering them a chance to join a life-changing four-day adventure centred around making a tangible impact.
This event is a unique amalgamation of a retreat, a fundraiser, and a adventure race.
Throughout your time, you’ll actively contribute to impactful grassroots projects on the enchanting island of Nusa Lembongan, be immersed in the Balinese culture through a race-blessing ceremony, and exploring the local surroundings.
Each day, anticipation mounts as you prepare for the pinnacle - race day. Envision standing on the start line, flanked by a former world champion or Olympian on one-side and a first-timer on the other.
The moment the whistle sounds, you’re off - a dynamic journey through the quaint streets of Lembongan, gliding through mangroves, skilfully traversing Lembongan before you take on the channel across to Nusa Ceningan.
The race unfolds seamlessly, beckoning participants to traverse both islands, whether on foot or through the water, with the spirited cheers of locals accompanying you every step of the way.
Bali Hope welcomes newcomers to the world of endurance sports but also serves as a platform for meaningful connections and impactful experiences.
Join us for four extraordinary days in a breathtaking location, promising not only profound connections but also a chance to make a lasting positive impact.
How it works
The Bali Hope Swimrun is a 4-day retreat style event.
Pricing includes
3 nights accommodation
Family-style meals at a luxury private villa.
Race entry
Event apparel, race medal
Professional video and photography
Team members are asked to fundraise for our local impact partners to support community programmes on the island.
Early Bird Pricing
All-inclusive 4-day pricing (shared room): US$950
Early bird pricing is available for the first 15 registrations
The balance is payable 3 months before the start of the event and is payable in installments
Standard Pricing
All-inclusive 4-day pricing (shared room): US$1200
Private room upgrade + US200
Group Pricing
If you’d like to bring a group (2 teams or more) reduced pricing and private villa accommodation is possible.
What people say
“A completely life-changing experience. I found my people here, I found out things about myself here, and I found out a style of race that I love (swimrunning!!).”
“Had a blast! Race was epic, full of adventure and amazing crew. The days surrounding I expected to be fun however it blew my mind how lucky I was to be in the presence of such amazing people and to have created lifelong memories I will cherish forever. I’m so excited for my next one.”
“Absolutely amazing”
“My experience with Bali Hope was life changing! Racing and fundraising for an incredible cause, where you get to see the impact of the money you raise. Definitely recommend!”
“This is the best organization of competitions in which I have taken part. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail”
“Family, un-wavering support, an episode of survivor, love.”
“Unlike anything I’d imagined. Connection, impact, challenge, support, rest - it’s the most incredible event.”
“This was amazing. So much things to do, but in the end you see happy people and it is the most important thing”
“An absolutely exhaustingly magical adventure!”
“Swimming is way out of my comfort zone but the event kinda wraps its arms around you and whispers “it’ll be ok we’ll get you through”. It did! I’m so glad I tried something different and succeeded which is a hallmark of any Bali Hope event. The love affair continues”
Four days on Nusa Lembongan
Day 1 Welcome
Monday December 1
Your arrival on the shores of Nusa Lembongan promises an unforgettable experience.
As you step off the boat, anticipation builds for the incredible journey ahead. Set for Sandy Bay, you transverse through the streets of Lembongan, your first insight into what this beautiful island hosts.
Stepping foot into the villa, handshakes give way to warm hugs, marking the initiation into the tight-knit Bali Hope family.
Together, you’ll share a delicious dinner meticulously prepared by your private chef, setting the scene for the beginning of a unique and meaningful journey.
The Beach House - aka Team HQ
Day 2 - Team Day
Tuesday December 2
Day 2: Impact Day - Embark on a heartwarming journey as you step into the community of Nusa Lembongan.
Brace yourself for the warm embrace of infectious smiles from the children, their eyes aglow with excitement and gratitude.
In these encounters, you’ll discover the true essence of the impact your presence brings to the lives of the children.
As night falls, a blessing ceremony led by a Balinese priest is underway, seeking blessings for a safe and successful race tomorrow.
Sinead and Nike from the 2023 team.
Day 3 - Race Day
Wednesday December 3
Day 3: Race Day - An early breakfast sets the stage, ensuring you fuel up for the challenging adventure that lies ahead. Teams assemble at the starting line and in the blink of an eye, the race is in full swing.
Covering a total of 19km of running across the islands of Lembongan and Ceningan, the streets are lined with locals cheering you on, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The rhythmic pattern of running is punctuated by invigorating swims, navigating channels, weaving through mangroves and embracing the vastness of the ocean. At each aid station, cheers and applause greet you, recognizing the dedication and determination that propel you forward.
The finish line soon approaches, emotions surge and the collective spirit of the Bali Hope community bring you across the finish line. You’ve made it!!
The day culminates in a group party, a celebration of your collective efforts and the meaningful impact made on the island of Nusa Lembongan. Today was much more than just a race.
Kate and her daughter Abby on their first endurance event together.
Day 4 - Closing Day
Thursday December 4
In the wake of last night’s celebrations, today brings a moment of reflection - a chance to ponder the profound connections forged, the bonds with your new family, the intricacies of race day and the overall impact of the Bali Hope experience.
As you bid farewell, you carry with you not just memories but a sense of fulfilment - a tangible reminder that your journey has not only enriched your life but has also left a lasting, positive imprint on the island of Lembongan.
The team at the finish line.
Hospitality & Accommodation
Pricing & Registration
Early Bird Pricing
All-inclusive 4-day pricing (shared room): US$950
Early bird pricing is available for the first 20 registrations
Standard Pricing
All-inclusive 4-day pricing (shared room): US$1200
Private room upgrade + US$200
Payment terms:
Register with a US$350 deposit
We ask participants to complete the balance with monthly instalments.
Price includes:
- 3 nights accommodation
- All food included, prepared by a private chef at the villa
- Luxurious villa experience overlooking the ocean
- Traditional Balinese blessing ceremony
- Race entry
- Race nutrition and hydration
- Post-race medal ceremony
- Event apparel (event T-shirts, bag, singlets, race vest, race swim cap)
- Professional videography and photographs
Please contact us for other upgrade and group pricing options at: tomh@bali-hope.com
RACE DETAILS
The Bali Hope Swimrun is South East Asia’s original swimrun. The race is a challenging 25km course comprised of approximately 23.2km of beach, road and trail running with around 200m of elevation and 1.90 km of swimming.
The race is divided up into 7 swims and 6 runs around the stunning Lembongan/Ceningan island peninsula.
Teams of two race together and complete a series of swim and run sections of varying lengths.
Details
Run 1: 2.8km Swim 1: 0.37km
Run 2 : 7.85km Swim 2: 0.25km
Run 3 : 0.25km Swim 3: 0.25km
Run 4 : 4.2km Swim 4: 0.1km
Run 5 : 4.4km Swim 5: 0.37km
Run 6 : 0.9km Swim 6: 0.48km
Run 7 : 2.8km
RACE RULES
ENTRY CRITERIA
- Athletes of all levels and abilities are encouraged to participant. We have both experienced and first-timers take on the race each year.
- The race is undertaken in pairs, offering participants the option to join solo or form teams of two (male-male, female-female, or mixed-gender pairs). For solo participants, event organizers will pair you up with another solo participant of a similar experience level.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
- Shoes must be worn at all times throughout the race
- Flotation devices and hand paddles are permitted. Pull buoys must be less than 60cm x 100cm
- All teams will be provided with a Bali Hope Swimrun race vest and swim cap to wear on race day
SAFETY RULES
- Pairs must maintain a 10m distance throughout the entirety of the race, both on land and in the water.
- Pairs must arrive at each energy station as a pair
- Teams must follow the marked course at all times.
- Dedicated medical staff are positioned strategically across both islands, including aid stations and on motor transport, to promptly respond to any health concerns or support requirements.
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Before commencement, a thorough race brief is conducted. It is mandatory that all participants sin the event disclaimer and attentively adhere to all rules provided.
- Participants are entrusted to look out for partners and race participants
- Participants are strictly advised against littering. Bins are conveniently provided at aid stations for proper disposal.
- Ensure all necessary gear is sought and on hand.
Our Impact on Lembongan
The small archipelago of Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida, just 30 minutes by fast boat south of Bali, provide the perfect microcosm for the challenge faced not just by Bali, but by our oceans.
This chain of islands is welcoming a growing tourist population, and is facing the challenge of how to increase living standards in a sustainable way.
And at the same time is increasingly impacted by plastic pollution - a problem that not only disfigures the oceans and our beaches but threatens to do serious damage to the food chain and the eco-system we depend on.
A group of community projects on Lembongan are supporting locals to build a recycling infrastructure and increase environmental awareness among the islands next generation of leaders and they need our help.
Our fundraising also helps to protect the oceans and the future of the island’s economy by supporting the rebuilding of coral reefs.
FAQ
General
What happens after I register?
We will contact you on email and WhatsApp to confirm your space and arrange payment of the balance by instalments.
Closer to the event we arrange team Zoom calls to answer questions, connect the group and help you prepare.
We can also happily connect you to previous or returning team members to understand their experience.
Why is the Bali Hope Swimrun a multi-day event?
Bali Hope events are focussed on bringing extraordinary people together from around the world. The multi-day format allows us time and space to connect as a group, visit the community we are supporting and celebrate our achievement.
Some of our team members will travel to Bali from Europe or North America and it is important for them to have time to acclimatise.
Can I bring a partner and/or children?
Of course. Partners and children are very welcome and we can organise bespoke accommodation options as required.
Can I join the swimrun but not the rest of the week?
Unfortunately not. The integrity of our swimrun team, our shared experience and our itinerary means this is not possible.
The SwimRun
What is your advice if I have never taken part in a swimrun event before?
The route is designed to be challenging but accessible for anyone with a decent level of fitness. We do recommend researching swimrun and the standard equipment required.
Everyone who took part in both the 2018 and 2019 events successfully completed the course including many newcomers to swimrun and endurance sport in general.
What level of support do you provide?
Participant safety on this ocean & road race is our key priority. With this in mind we have a highly-experienced health and safety director, emergency medical back-up, and trained first aiders in both fixed and mobile-aid stations.
What insurance do I need?
Participants will need travel and medical insurance covering endurance sports.
Fundraising
What is your advice on fundraising?
Critical factors on successful fundraising include starting early to raise awareness of what you are doing, the impact it will make and the training commitment required, and then follow this up with personal messages to friends, family and your broader network.
We believe our individual and collective target is very achievable and together we can make a real impact in helping to educate a new generation on this island and help the community to develop a recycling infrastructure that will protect their island.
Our charity partner also provides each team with personal support on their fundraising campaign.
In short 20 friends donating US$50 hits the target.
ENTRY DETAILS:
ENTRY DETAILS:
All entrants are to complete the application form on this website.
By completing the online application form, you are accepting the terms and conditions on this website.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
REFUND POLICY
Bali Hope does not issue refunds.
POSTPONING YOUR PLACE
Your place on the Bali Hope Swimrun can be deferred to the following year at no extra cost if you have paid at least 50% of your event fee at the time of postponement and it is more than 100 days before the start of the event.
If you have not paid 50% of the event you will be asked to complete the balance before deferring your place.
Postponement within 100 days of the start of the event incurs an admin fee of US$350.
INSURANCE:
Runners taking part in The Bali Hope Swimrun understand that there is a risk involved.
Runners take part at their own free will, The Bali Hope Swimrun is not responsible for any incident or accident.
All athletes must take out and maintain their own personal travel insurance, which covers you for the duration of your time in Bali, Indonesia, for trip cancellation, accident, death, pandemic, etc.
This should cover you fully against the costs of hospitalization, medical care and repatriation if you become too ill to continue the run and must cover you against the cost of air or other forms of evacuation and / or repatriation should sickness or injury necessitate such a course of action.
A copy of your insurance will need to be presented o enable you to partake.
The Bali Hope Swimrun has no control over, and accepts no responsibility for, the availability or standard of medical and / or repatriation services and facilities in the area in which the events take place and such services and facilities do not form any part of the contract between you and The Bali Hope Swimrun.
You are solely responsible for your own equipment and belongings during the event and bear the sole responsibility for incidental or accidental damage (including wear and tear) to, or loss of, your own equipment and belongings.
At all times The Bali Hope Swimmrunwill endeavor to hold our full course, however as we are operating in a unique location, safety may involve us making last minute course changes, reducing or removing a stage or worst case, cancelling the event part way through. You will need to ensure you have adequate insurance cover for any eventuality.
You will also sign a Waiver at Race Registration confirming you have the appropriate insurances in place.
MEDICAL:
All athletes and volunteers / staff, will complete a medical declaration. You confirm the information you provide about your medical history is accurate to the best of your knowledge. You acknowledge that the purpose of collecting this information is to ensure that all existing and/or past health conditions are declared prior to competition to allow risks to be assessed. You agree to accept responsibility for any failure to disclose, or properly describe, any existing or past health conditions. You undertake not to hold the race organizers and/or medical team liable for any claims and/or damages arising from, or relating to, my disclosure.All entrants are to complete the application form on this website.
By completing the online application form, you are accepting the terms and conditions on this website.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
All participants that take part in this event are to understand that this event is an on-road and sea based outdoor event in sometimes remote parts of Bali.
Participants must be 21 years of age or older at the start date of the race. Special permission may be granted if you are under 21 at the race organizers discretion.
MEDICAL:
All athletes and volunteers / staff, will complete a medical declaration. You confirm the information you provide about your medical history is accurate to the best of your knowledge. You acknowledge that the purpose of collecting this information is to ensure that all existing and/or past health conditions are declared prior to competition to allow risks to be assessed. You agree to accept responsibility for any failure to disclose, or properly describe, any existing or past health conditions. You undertake not to hold the race organizers and/or medical team liable for any claims and/or damages arising from, or relating to, my disclosure.
