Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race

Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race is an international open water swimming event held annually in the Bosphorus, connecting the continents of Asia and Europe by swim. First held on 23 July 1989, the race is organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TNOC). It contributes to the promotion of Olympic values and is recognized globally as a significant event in the open water swimming community.

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Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race was first organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TNOC) on 23 July 1989. Initially, 68 swimmers—64 men and 4 women—competed on a course between Çubuklu and Kuruçeşme in the Istanbul Bosphorus. In the second year, the starting point was moved to Kanlıca and the course length was extended to approximately 6.5 kilometers, its current distance. This change transformed the race into a more competitive open water event due to its technical challenges and natural current conditions.

The race opened to international participation from the 1990s onward, gaining global recognition especially after the participation of athletes from Czechoslovakia and the United States starting in 1992. Since 2010, all participants who successfully complete the race have been awarded the title and certificate of “Intercontinental Swimmer.” This practice has become both a source of motivation and a significant mark of prestige for swimmers.

The race has been held without interruption every year since its inception and, over its more than 35-year history, has brought together tens of thousands of swimmers from five continents to the Bosphorus. In 2023, 1,310 foreign athletes from 78 countries and 1,331 athletes from Türkiye participated. Additionally, the race was awarded “Best Open Water Swimming Event of the Year” by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) in 2016 and ranked first on the list of “The World’s 100 Best Open Water Swimming Races” in 2019.

Both professional and amateur open water swimmers participate in the race. Participants vary widely in age, nationality, and experience. The event is not only a sporting competition but also an international platform that showcases Istanbul’s historical and cultural richness.

Notable course records include Polat Uzer Turnalı’s time of 38 minutes and 55 seconds in the men’s category in 2021. In the women’s category, the most recent official record is Nida Eliz Üstündağ’s time of 40:55 set in 2022. The claimed record of Beren Kayrak (2006, 40:50.35) has not been verified by current sources.

The race begins at Kanlıca Pier and ends at Cemil Topuzlu Park in Kuruçeşme, covering a distance of approximately 6.5 kilometers. Swimmers must navigate against the surface current of the Bosphorus; straying from the central course line risks being caught in opposing currents. Participants are required to orient themselves toward the European continent using prominent landmarks in Istanbul as reference points. Swimmers who pass under the Bosphorus Bridge are disqualified, as this indicates deviation from the official course. Prior to the race, guided tours in Turkish, English, and Russian are offered to familiarize participants with the Bosphorus.

• Participants must be medically fit to compete and declare that they have no physical or mental condition that would prevent them from participating.
• Only swimmers who meet the pre-selection and qualification criteria may enter. Participants must declare their swimming times or compete in qualifying events during the official registration period.
• Participants are deemed to acknowledge the risks inherent in open water swimming, including dehydration, hypothermia, collision, cardiac arrest, and drowning.

• The race starts at Kanlıca Pier and finishes at Cemil Topuzlu Park in Kuruçeşme, with a total distance of approximately 6.5 kilometers.
• Swimmers must remain alert to surface and underwater currents and stay within the designated course line.
• Swimmers who pass under the Bosphorus Bridge are disqualified, as this constitutes deviation from the official course.

Athletes are disqualified under the following circumstances:

• Deviation from the race course resulting in failure to reach the finish line or endangering personal safety.
• Failure to comply with official instructions or refusal to cooperate during emergencies.
• Receiving any external assistance during the race or using auxiliary systems (e.g., clinging to rescue equipment due to being swept by currents).

• Participants must wear a swim cap and swimsuit approved by the organizers. Auxiliary equipment such as swim gloves, fins, or snorkels is prohibited.
• Participants must pass a medical check and attend a technical briefing organized by the event committee prior to the race.
• Any swimmer who perceives danger must immediately raise their hand to signal the nearest safety officer. Race boats will respond to such signals.

• Since 2010, every swimmer who successfully completes the course is awarded the “Intercontinental Swimmer” certificate.
• At the conclusion of the race, medals, plaques, and special prizes determined by sponsors are awarded to athletes who place in the overall and age-group classifications.