From a New Beginning to a Premiere: Laura Starts at SwimRun Rheinsberg

When Laura lines up at the SwimRun Rheinsberg, it is far more than just a race for her. It is another milestone on her journey back into an athletic life. Only in 2023, shortly after her breast cancer diagnosis, did she dare to return to sport, taking part in the Berlin Women’s Run. After the physically and emotionally demanding therapy, she had to gradually reintroduce her body to movement step by step.

“I had been running before, but of course I was weakened by the illness,” she says. To regain confidence, she signed up for a preparation course. There, she not only learned proper running and breathing techniques, but also regained trust in her body. Many of the tips from that time still accompany her today – even in SwimRun.

Into Cold Water

That she would be competing in a SwimRun today was something Laura herself could hardly have imagined just a few months ago. One of her biggest challenges was not on land, but in the water. “Until about a month ago, I couldn’t even swim breaststroke properly with my head under water and goggles.”

Together with her (team) partner Philip, she worked intensively on her technique. Today, she not only masters breaststroke but has also learned front crawl – a particularly useful technique in SwimRun, as it saves the legs and preserves energy for the running sections.

The unusual SwimRun equipment also took some getting used to. Wetsuit, wet running shoes, pull buoy, and paddles all have to be carried throughout the race. What initially seemed complicated and heavy turned out to be less demanding than expected. “You really get used to it quickly,” Laura says. With every training session, the equipment is further refined and adapted to her needs.

Together Instead of Against Each Other

At SwimRun Rheinsberg, Laura competes together with Philip. For both of them, it is not about placement but about the experience. Since there is no timing or official ranking in the SuperSprint this year, competition is not the focus anyway.

What matters most is mastering the challenge together and enjoying the journey. Philip pursues only one small personal goal: he wants to motivate Laura to swim at least one of the two swimming sections using front crawl. Laura responds with a smile.

Sport as a Path to Strength

For Laura, sport today means far more than movement. After her breast cancer diagnosis, it helped her rebuild her body – but also regain mental strength.

“You don’t sink into self-pity,” she says. Instead, she continuously set herself new goals. Every milestone became a success she could consciously celebrate. At the same time, sport helps her clear her mind. During training, the illness fades into the background. The focus is only on the next step, the next stroke in the water, or the next kilometer.

Finding Courage in the First Step

Laura wants to share her story with others. She hopes more people find the courage to try something new, even when they feel uncertain at first. “Even if you’re not a strong swimmer yet, you can learn a lot if you really want to.”

She especially recommends the SwimRun preparation course by SCC EVENTS. It not only teaches technique but also provides the confidence needed to engage with this unique sport. This program, organized by SCC EVENTS – the organizer of SwimRun Rheinsberg – brings participants closer to SwimRun while specifically preparing them for the event in Rheinsberg.

Philip also highlights what makes the sport so special: the sense of community. In SwimRun, it does not matter who you are or where you come from. What counts is the joy of movement, nature, and mutual support. People encourage each other, greet one another on the course, and quickly feel part of a shared experience.

For Laura, the starting signal in Rheinsberg marks not just another sporting challenge, but another proof of how much is possible when you find the courage to start again step by step.

Everything Comes Together – Now It Really Starts

On race morning, Laura’s first thoughts already revolve around SwimRun Rheinsberg. Despite grey skies and rain, anticipation dominates. When the rain stops just in time for the start, that special race-day feeling emerges: everything fits, now it really begins. Even the ferry ride to Warenthin becomes a first highlight – laughter, excitement, and anticipation fill the boat as the group prepares together for the adventure.

At the start line, Laura feels a bit of excitement but remains focused. The thought of the first swim carries her through the final minutes. Then the starting signal sounds, and the race begins with a chaotic entry into the water. Tight conditions, many athletes entering at once, a brief moment of confusion. But soon everything settles, and Laura and Philip find their rhythm.

In the water, Laura truly arrives in Rheinsberg. The lake becomes a place of calm, where effort transforms into lightness. Together with her teammate Philip, a smooth rhythm develops: he leads, she drafts behind him, trusts the team, and moves stroke by stroke with growing confidence.

A Special Emotional Moment

The transitions between water and land require strength. The body must constantly adjust from horizontal to vertical movement. With each repetition, however, the rhythm becomes more familiar and uncertainty gradually turns into routine.

A particularly emotional moment arises at Lake Grienericksee. There, the view opens up to Rheinsberg Castle – a striking image that also signals: the longest swim section is still ahead. As Philip notes, the focus soon shifts back into the water, onto the rope, and the shared progress as a team.

After crossing the lake and climbing the final steps out of the water, the finish feels close enough to touch. The atmosphere along the course carries Laura through the final stretch: loud cheers, dedicated volunteers, and an energy that gives goosebumps. With every step, the sense of achievement grows.

Finish Line and Well-Deserved Rewards

On the final 200 meters, emotions become tangible. Pride, relief, and pure joy blend together as Laura and Philip run toward the finish line. And then everything comes together: the finish, the personal favorite song, cheering spectators – a moment that carries everything.

At the finish, the small but meaningful rewards follow: an embrace from Philip, a medal, a strawberry skewer, non-alcoholic beer, and above all the feeling of having accomplished something special. A kiss, a smile, a deep breath.

In the end, there is not only satisfaction but genuine enthusiasm. SwimRun Rheinsberg lingers in the mind – “almost as if the course was too short,” Laura says. For her, this experience is not just a race, but an emotional step forward – and certainly not the last SwimRun.

In total, around 550 participants took part in the 10th anniversary event in Rheinsberg. All times and winners can be found on the website in the results section. Images from the entire event day are available in the photo gallery.