37th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race

On August 24, 2025, İstanbul will once again transform into a global stage as the 37th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race welcomes more than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries. In this one-of-a-kind open water competition, athletes will bridge two continents stroke by stroke, swimming from Asia to Europe across the legendary Bosphorus Strait.

Covering a 6.5 km course from Kanlıca to Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park, participants will face the powerful currents of the Bosphorus while surrounded by breathtaking views of İstanbul’s palaces, mosques, and bridges.

Organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TMOK) with the coordination of the İstanbul Governorship and the support of 26 institutions, the race is more than just a sporting event—it’s a showcase of Türkiye’s cultural heritage and its growing role in international sports tourism.

What began in 1989 with just 68 swimmers has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious open water races, recognized by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) as the “Best Open Water Swimming Event of the Year.” Today, it stands as a symbol of endurance, unity, and the timeless allure of İstanbul’s waterways.