Diane Benke's Journey

On the brisk morning of September 2, Diane Benke will lace up her shoes for what might seem like an ordinary 11-mile run across a rocky Swedish island trail. Yet, this is merely the beginning of a day that will test every fiber of her being in the Ötillö Swimrun World Championship.

Imagine this: a race that stitches together the chill of open-water swimming with the rugged demands of trail running. Diane, along with her race partner, will navigate 46 transitions between the aqua of the sea and the earth of the islands, racing across 24 islands in total. The very thought is enough to make even seasoned athletes pause.

Diane, a spirited Westport mom of two teenage boys, is no stranger to the world of endurance sports. Originating from Short Hills, New Jersey, she swam competitively in high school and later embraced marathons and triathlons as a social outlet amidst her bustling career in marketing and consulting. It was through her coach that she met Blake Benke, a fellow endurance enthusiast and Ironman competitor. Their shared passion for pushing physical limits led them down the aisle and eventually to Westport, a community that thrives with athletic vigor.

Westport has been more than a home; it has been a launchpad for Diane's athletic endeavors, offering its own triathlon, open-water swim events, and a vibrant running series. It was here that Diane fell in love with the open-water segments of triathlons, although she often found herself overtaken by cyclists soon after. When a friend introduced her to swimrun, it was a revelation—no bikes, just the raw, unfiltered communion with nature, coupled with a deep sense of camaraderie that the sport fosters.

Swimrun is not just another competition for Diane; it is a personal journey, a slice of life that is distinctly hers. The sport demands not only physical prowess but intense mental focus. Conditions are unpredictable—shifting tides, changing weather, and the logistical ballet of transitioning from water to land and back again. It's a dance with nature where each step and stroke can never be fully rehearsed.

Preparation for such an endeavor is monumental. After recovering from a hamstring tear in March, Diane has dedicated over 15 hours weekly to training, running the trails of Westport and Fairfield, often in her wetsuit, and swimming the routes from Compo Beach to Sherwood Island and back. Her training partner, Pete Roper, shares her dedication but not her race day. Instead, Diane will team up with Chrissy Halioris from Louisville, Kentucky—a formidable runner with less experience in cold ocean waters.

Their partnership is built on trust, forged in the waters of Boston Harbor and tested on the trails of Austin, Texas. Together, they will face the Baltic Sea's chill and the unknowns of the Swedish weather, supported from afar by Diane's family. Blake, her husband, though sidelined by recent surgery, remains her steadfast supporter, along with their sons, Max and Alex, who have grown up amidst their parents' athletic pursuits.

As Diane stands on the cusp of this epic challenge, her goal is simple yet profound: to survive and to finish with joy. It's not about conquering the course but about embracing the adventure, regardless of the outcome.

This is more than a race; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience. As Diane navigates each island and each transition, she carries with her the collective strength and support of her family, her community, and every step she's taken to get here. It's a journey of heart, grit, and unyielding determination—a dance with the elements in one of the world's most breathtaking settings.

Good luck, Diane Benke. Your story is a beacon for all who dare to dream big and push beyond. From our comfortable homes, we cheer for you and await the tales of your remarkable journey through the Swedish archipelago.

What is the Ötillö Swimrun World Championship?

The Ötillö Swimrun World Championship is an endurance sport event that combines open-water swimming and trail running. Competitors, tethered in pairs, swim from one island to another, clamber ashore, untie themselves, run across the island, and then jump into the water to swim to the next island. The event takes place in the Stockholm archipelago and involves 46 transitions from water to land.

Who is Diane Benke?

Diane Benke is a Westport mom of two teenage boys who is participating in the Ötillö Swimrun World Championship. Diane has a background in high school swimming, marathons, and triathlons. She is passionate about endurance sports and has been training rigorously for the swimrun event.

How does Diane Benke prepare for the swimrun event?

Diane Benke has been training more than 15 hours a week all summer. Her training includes running all over Westport and Fairfield, often wearing a wet suit, and swimming and running from Compo Beach to Sherwood Island and back. She also participated in a preparation event in Casco Bay, Maine, which was half the distance of the Swedish swimrun.

Who is Diane Benke’s swimrun partner?

Diane Benke’s swimrun partner is Chrissy Halioris from Louisville, Kentucky. They met for the first time at a swimrun event in Austin, Texas, in November and have since developed a friendship and a high level of trust. Chrissy is a strong runner with mostly lake swimming experience.

What is Diane’s goal for the Ötillö Swimrun World Championship?

Diane Benke’s goal for the event is realistic: “My goal is to not die, and finish happy.” She aims to treat the event as an epic adventure, acknowledging the physical and mental demands it entails.