Carn Runners is celebrating an outstanding endurance achievement after Janna completed the one-day SwimQuest Scilly Swim Challenge on Sunday 20 September 2026.
Starting at approximately 7am in seriously tough conditions, Janna faced a full day of open-water swimming and island-hopping around the Isles of Scilly. The weather gradually eased, and she continued through to the finish at around 5.30pm — roughly ten and a half hours after setting off.
Completing 15km of open-water swimming is a huge undertaking in any setting. Doing it across multiple sea crossings, with walks and repeated transitions between the water and land, makes Janna’s achievement all the more impressive.
A 15km island-hopping challenge
The Scilly Swim Challenge is a staged swimming adventure through the Isles of Scilly. Participants cover approximately 15km in the water, with the full challenge available as either a one-day or two-day event.
Rather than completing one continuous swim, entrants tackle a series of open-water legs with coastal walks and breaks between them. That format brings its own demands: swimmers must repeatedly return to the sea, settle back into their rhythm and keep moving as the hours accumulate.
The surrounding white-sand beaches, clear water and island scenery may provide a spectacular backdrop, but this is still a formidable endurance challenge. Sea conditions can change throughout the day, while the distance requires sustained physical effort, concentration and determination.
A difficult start to a memorable day
Janna’s challenge began with testing conditions at the early-morning start. With a long day still ahead, she powered through the elements and continued from one stage to the next.
Thankfully, the weather became kinder as the day progressed. After hours of swimming, walking and returning to the water, Janna reached the finish at around 5.30pm to complete an unforgettable day at sea.
The distance alone represents a major achievement, but completing it in the one-day format demonstrates remarkable stamina. Every new swim leg had to be tackled with more miles already in the arms and more time spent exposed to the open-water environment.
Another Carn Runner takes on the open water
Although running brings the club together, Carn members regularly show that their appetite for adventure stretches well beyond roads and trails. From sea dips to events such as the Polkerris Aquathon, open-water challenges have become another memorable part of club life.
Janna’s Scilly Swim Challenge takes that spirit to an exceptional level. Covering around 15km between the islands in a single day required preparation, resilience and the determination to keep going through a difficult start.
Massive congratulations, Janna. Everyone at Carn Runners is incredibly proud of your grit, stamina and determination. Enjoy a thoroughly well-earned rest after a truly epic achievement!
