The Bosphorus Cross Continental Swimming Race is a highly anticipated annual event that takes place in the magnificent city of Istanbul. As swimmers from all over the world dive into the Bosphorus waters, the world’s narrowest strait connecting Europe and Asia, creating a unique and exhilarating experience.
This is one of the few intercontinental swimming events in the world and certainly the shortest!
- Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim (Turkey) – 6.5 km (4 miles)
- Strait of Gibraltar Swim (Spain to Morocco) – 14.4 km (9 miles)
- North Channel Swim (Northern Ireland to Scotland) – 35.4 km (22 miles)
- Catalina Channel Swim (California, USA) – 33.7 km (21 miles)
- Tsugaru Channel Swim (Honshu to Hokkaido, Japan) – 19.5 km (12.1 miles)
- Cook Strait Swim (North Island to South Island, New Zealand) – 22.5 km (14 miles)
I mean if you swam directly across, The Bosphorus is actually not even that wide. The Bosphorus Strait varies in width from 700 meters (2,300 feet) at its narrowest point to 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) at its widest. In the densely populated southern parts, it is typically around 1 to 1.5 kilometers (0.6 to 0.9 miles) wide.
Organized by the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, The Bosphorus Cross Continental Swimming Race offers the rare opportunity to swim or row from Asia to Europe, while experiencing the stunning beauty of the Bosphorus. Spectators can witness the passion of the fans and athletes as they come together to compete, challenge themselves, and discover their limits.
For 35 years, this world-renowned intercontinental swimming race has attracted tens of thousands of athletes from all corners of the globe, making it the first and only race of its kind. Last year’s race saw Turkish swimmer Atakan Ercan win the 2024 event, completing the 6.5 km intercontinental course in 45 minutes and 27 seconds. In the women’s category, Talya Erdoğan finished first with a time of 46 minutes and 57 seconds.
2025 Event
Save the date! Dive into the thrill of the 2025 Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race on August 24. Registration opened on January 6 at bogazici.olimpiyat.org.tr. Stay in the loop at @2kita1yaris on Instagram.
The highly anticipated Bosphorus Swim, organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee, is back on August 24, 2025. Swimmers from around the world will race 6.5 km across the iconic Bosphorus Strait, bridging Asia and Europe.
- Key Dates:
- Registration: January 6 – March 31, 2025
- Pre-swimming trials: June 2025 across major cities.
- Event day: August 24, 2025, starting in Kanlıca, finishing in Kuruçeşme.
Swimmers must meet health and time qualifications, with a 3000 TL entry fee. Don’t miss this unique intercontinental adventure! Full details at bogazici.olimpiyat.org.tr.
For the 2026 Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim, the best way to secure a spot is through Swimming Travel, who are already taking pre-registrations for next year.
Past and Recent Events
According to a BBC report, 1,765 swimmers from 59 countries participated in the 2021 Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race. The race is organized under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee under large social and corporate support. Thanks to the increasing interest year by year, this adventure which began with the participation of 4 female and 64 male athletes in 1989, has grown to become an important part of the Turkish sports tradition. –Source
Last year’s Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim showcased incredible performances, with Turkish swimmer Atakan Ercan claiming victory in the 2024 event, finishing the 6.5 km intercontinental course in an impressive 45 minutes and 27 seconds. Talya Erdoğan led the women’s category with a remarkable time of 46 minutes and 57 seconds.
In comparison, the 2023 edition saw faster times, with Doğukan Ulaç winning the men’s category in 41 minutes and 22 seconds, while Burcunaz Narin led the women, completing the course in 42 minutes and 54 seconds.
Despite these stellar results, the course record still belongs to Hasan Emre Musluoğlu, who completed the swim in a blazing 41 minutes and 26 seconds back in 2014.
The race continues to attract elite swimmers and passionate participants from around the world, cementing its reputation as a truly iconic sporting event that bridges continents.
Conclusion
The Bosphorus Cross Continental Swimming Race is a thrilling event that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Bosphorus, an iconic landmark that we at The Other Tour never tire of admiring.
Starting in the Asian suburb of Kanlıca, just north of the second bridge, this special swimming event finishes along the banks of Kuruçeşme at Cemil Topuzlu Park. The mêlée of getting in and out of the water often proves the most entertaining, albeit challenging, part of the race, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the event.
Wow that sounds amazing, can anybody join?
Well, it looks like a comment from 10 years ago just caught up with me! Apologies for the delay—I can’t quite explain why it took a decade to reply, but hey, better late than never, right? Let’s dive into your question now that we’re officially in the future!
Yes, anyone can join the Cross-Continental Annual Swim Race on the Bosphorus, but there are certain requirements. The race is typically open to both professional and amateur swimmers, but participants must meet specific health and safety conditions, including:
Age Requirement: Participants generally need to be at least 16 years old.
Health Condition: A medical certificate stating that the participant is in good physical health is required.
Registration: You need to register for the event in advance, as it is a popular and well-attended race.
Training: While the race is open to amateurs, it’s important that participants have sufficient swimming experience and endurance for such a challenging event, as the Bosphorus currents can be difficult and tricky.
If you’re interested, it’s a good idea to check the official event website for any specific updates or changes to the rules, as they might vary from year to year.