Thousands of swimmers joined the continents in the 37th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race.

Istanbul, August 24, 2025. More than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries connected Asia and Europe with their strokes in the 37th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TMOK). The race was organized by TMOK, with the coordination of the Istanbul Governorship and the support of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, 26 public institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The competitors were first transported to the race starting point by boats. Then, with the start, they jumped into the sea. Numerous swimmers participating in the race from five continents battled the Bosphorus currents on the approximately 6.5-kilometer course. Competitors then reached Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park from Kanlıca and placed first. At the ceremony held after the finish, the athletes received their awards.

The event, which began in 1989 with just 68 swimmers, is now considered the world's most prestigious open water race. The World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) named it "Best Open Water Swimming Event of the Year" in 2016 and "One of the World's Top 100 Open Water Swimming Races" in 2019.

Erhan Turan: "We will swim by looking at Asia and Europe"

Contestant Erhan Turan, who said the race would be a good one, said, "I'll be competing too. The race will be good. The weather is beautiful. We'll connect two continents with a beautiful sea. I previously participated with my son in 2010. I finished 5th in my category that year. After the tryouts, we won the right to participate. We'll swim looking at both Asia and Europe. I came here with my wife."

Yağmur Hüner, who came to the race with her family, said, "This year will be my fifth time participating in the race. I took a break last year, but I'm continuing this year. I participated for the adrenaline rush. Every year is so much fun. Seeing the Bosphorus from the water is an incredibly enjoyable feeling. I came here with my family."

UAV

Reporter: News Center