Asia to Europe internatinal swimming, rowing, canoeing and sailing competitions to be held under the auspices of the international Olympic Committee on 19 July 2009
Photo by Niyazi Uğur Genca
You can swim between two continents, from Asia to Europe. The Turkish Olympic Committee is organizing a swimming event on the Bosporus in Istanbul July. This will not be an easy ride, because the Bosporus’s currents and strength will make the 6.5 km long journey a big challenge.
Photo by Niyazi Uğur Genca
On Sunday, July 19 it will be the 21st time for the international European / Asian swimming event on the Bosporus. The swimming event is a very special happening. Besides the swimming event, there are also rowing and sailing.
Everyone 14 or over can participate in the event. During the first time there were 70 participants at the waterfront. Last year there were as many as 500 (this year 750) people participating.
The recreational game is scheduled between 10.00-13.00. No ships or ferries are allowed on the Bosporus during the swimming.
Contestants who are in the first three places in their categories at the Bosphorus 2009 International Swimming Competions are awarded gold, silver and bronze medals.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:39 am
Absolutely amazing event, I urge anyone and everyone to give it a go. Three cheers for the Turkish Olympic Committee
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:00 am
when is the 2010 swim taking place??
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
The new date for the bosphorus don’t announced yet… Whe It will announced I wil write here…
February 10th, 2010 at 12:38 am
I was informed by the Turkish Embassy in Australia that Bosphorus 2010 will be held on 18 July 2010 – but I believe official announcements will be made after March 1st on the website of the Turkish Olympic Committee.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:02 am
I think It will be on 18 July 2010 but not sure yet… I will write details here when they announce the exact day
February 24th, 2010 at 8:49 am
When you say “This will not be an easy ride, because the Bosporus’s currents and strength will make the 6.5 km long journey a big challenge.”… What do you mean?
I sincerely thought that precisely the current was supposed to help with the swim (as in you swim WITH the current, rather than AGAINST it).
Can you confirm which one is the right interpretation?
Thanks!
February 24th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
yes in ssome spot the currnet help you swim but in some paleces the currents can make this diffucult.. Because It takes you through the asia side in some spots. So you have to spend more effort to go in the europe side where the race will finish…
February 25th, 2010 at 5:12 am
Hi niyazi, thanks for the explanation… What kind of fitness level do you think it is required? I can do 5 km in a swimming pool in 2 hours, and I still have lots of time to train (including open water swimming). Do you think I will be able to make it?
Thanks!
March 1st, 2010 at 3:55 am
The 18th July shows as the official date in the website calendar. But there is no signing up information as of yet. The old website – they have updated it last week – said that they would give signing up information today.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:13 am
I reaaly don’t know this.. But I send your details one of my friend.. He is swimming in this race every year.. He can explain what you need more.. I will write details when I speak with him..
March 1st, 2010 at 11:17 am
I still waiting too.. I will write post when It announce
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:39 am
I spoke with my friend and he said; If you swimming 5 km you can swim in bosphorus race.. The course is nearly 6,5 km but because of the current the course will
4,5 – 5 km.. Just you have to take care of currents map of the bosphorus. When you are in current you can get out of race”
You can learn the details when the committee announced the race. Also I can learn the currents and try to write here..
March 15th, 2010 at 4:48 am
Thanks niyazi, that is very helpful advice! Entries opened today so I’ll be signing up
March 15th, 2010 at 4:49 am
By the way, any recommended activities for that weekend in Estanbul? We want to make out the most of the European Capital of Culture 2010!!