The North King

Ultra-Endurance Swimrun Expedition.

SUMMER/Autumn – Episode 4: The North King

Adventure type: Ultra-Endurance Swimrun Expedition
Adventurer: Nicolas Remires + Family & Community
Location: Kungsleden, Swedish Lapland

A World-First Swimrun Expedition—Where Endurance Meets Family & Community

This summer, Nicolas Remires and his team of elite endurance athletes will attempt what has never been done before: a swimrun along Sweden’s legendary Kungsleden. Known for its remote wilderness, pristine lakes, and rugged trails, Kungsleden has long been a bucket-list destination for trekkers—but no one has ever tried to traverse it swimming and running. Until now.

But this isn’t just about pushing human limits. It’s about changing the narrative of elite endurance sports. Nicolas, and his fellow athletes don’t just race—they bring their families along for the adventure, proving that athletic ambition and family life are not opposing forces, but a shared journey.

Meet Nicolas Remires – Athlete, Coach, and Swimrun Pioneer

Born and raised in France, Nicolas Remires has spent his life pushing the boundaries of endurance sports. A former elite triathlete and multi-sport competitor, Nicolas is now one of the world’s leading figures in swimrun—a grueling endurance sport that combines open-water swimming with long-distance trail running.

Now based in between Stockholm, Sweden and the French Pyrenées, he has dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring athletes worldwide. As the founder of Envol Swimrun, Nicolas has been instrumental in growing the sport, building an international community, and proving that endurance sports can be both competitive and inclusive.

With a deep passion for nature, sustainability, and human potential, Nicolas sees this expedition not as a record-breaking feat, but as a movement—a chance to redefine what adventure looks like, and who gets to be part of it.

Inclusivity in Endurance Sports—Redefining Adventure

For too long, high-level endurance sports have been seen as individual pursuits, where family and community wait on the sidelines. But Nicolas and his team believe in something different:

Adventure is not about exclusion—it’s about inspiration.
Athletes don’t have to choose between elite competition and family life.
Endurance is not just physical—it’s about the strength of the community behind you.

Throughout the journey, their children, partners, and supporters will be part of the experience, joining in along the trail, cheering them on at checkpoints, and witnessing firsthand what it takes to dream big and go beyond limits.

With approximately 20 km of open-water swimming in 5-7 degrees temperature and hundreds of kilometers of trail running, they’ll push through Sweden’s most breathtaking and challenging terrain—using only their bodies, minds, and each other to reach the finish line.

Nicolas Remires is a French swimrun / multi sport athlete and endurance sports coach in Stockholm, Sweden. After obtaining a Master’s Degree at the University of Health and Sports in Font-Romeu, France, Nicolas traveled, lived and raced all over the world, to finally settle in Stockholm, Sweden with his wife.

The landscape around Kungsleden is magnificent, the expanses enormous. The soft mountain peaks, like the valleys, have been shaped and carved by the last ice age 10,000 years ago. The trail winds through a blanket of moss, blueberry bushes and willow, whose play of colors adds extra nuance to the grandeur of the valley. 480 kilometers of swimrunning to set a new record.

The episode begins in the Pyrenees at Nicolas and his family's home. We get to know him and his family as they train together in the mountains. We see Nicolas and his companion studying maps and planning for the swimrun and the support along the Kungsleden trail.

Film Pitch: "The North King"
Genre: Inspirational Sports Documentary/Adventure Drama

Logline: In "The North King," swimrunner Nicolas Remires embarks on an unprecedented journey to conquer Sweden's 450-kilometer King’s Trail, navigating treacherous terrains and frigid waters. With the support of his family, friends, and teammates, Nicolas pushes himself to the limits of endurance while redefining what it means to lead an athletic lifestyle that embraces inclusivity, rather than sacrifice.

Synopsis: "The North King" chronicles the heroic journey of Nicolas Remires, a dedicated swimrunner who sets out to become the first person to cover by swimrunning the entire King’s Trail in Sweden, a challenging route encompassing breathtaking natural beauty and freezing cold waters. The film begins in the stunning Pyrenees mountains, where we witness Nicolas preparing for his monumental challenge through rigorous training and intimate family moments that showcase his life as a devoted father and athlete.

His journey is supported a number of friends and athlete, part of the Envol community around the world that Nicolas created over the years. As they gather around maps and plan the intricate details of their route, they considers various factors, including weather, swim locations, and physical challenges, support while emphasizing the need to balance their competitive spirits with family life.

With each stretch of the King’s Trail, Nicolas is joined by family and friends, showcasing the importance of community support in endurance events. As he faces intense moments of fatigue, self-doubt, and the harsh realities of the elements, he draws strength from the encouragement of his loved ones cheering him on.

The film weaves in subplots highlighting the pairing of athlete parents with a non-parent athlete, illustrating that pursuing a competitive lifestyle does not require sacrificing family but rather encourages inclusivity and support. This unique angle sheds light on the balancing act of passion and parenthood, inspiring both aspiring athletes and parents to pursue their dreams alongside their responsibilities.

As Nicolas battles the stark wilderness, we delve deep into themes of perseverance, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome obstacles. The climax builds toward the final stretch of the King’s Trail, where Nicolas faces the ultimate test of endurance, pushing himself beyond physical limits while reflecting on the values of family, friendship, and his commitment to inspiring others.

Target Audience: Adventure enthusiasts, athletes, families, and anyone striving to overcome challenges in pursuit of their passions. This film aims to inspire individuals to embrace inclusivity in their athletic journeys, breaking down barriers between parenthood and competitive sports.

Visual Style: The film will feature breathtaking cinematography capturing the stunning landscapes of the Pyrenees and the King’s Trail, alongside gripping action sequences documenting Nicolas’s swimrunning challenges. Intimate family moments will contrast with the raw beauty of nature, emphasizing both the struggle and the triumph. Interviews and candid moments with family and friends will add depth and a personal touch, showcasing their support and encouragement throughout the journey.

Cast

Nicolas Remires as himself, embodying the resilience and determination of an inspiring athlete.
Susie Moonan, support, as herself, a fellow athlete, mother and behavioral scientist.
Michael Lemmel, support, as himself, Godfather of swimrun, founder of the Ötillö brand and of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail (SAT).
Julian Dent, support, experience in orientation mapping the trail for Nicolas and his team.
and many more.

Supporting roles will feature Nicolas's family and friends, showcasing the bond and support network that uplift him during his journey.
"The North King" is not just a story of athletic achievement; it’s a heartfelt exploration of community, family, and the belief that with the right support, anyone can achieve their dreams—no matter the distance or the challenge ahead.