This traditional swim race, which crosses the Hellespont, takes place on the 30th August annually. This date commemorates the final victory for the Turks in the Turkish War of Independence in 1922 against the Greeks.

Held for the last 25 years, this event draws swimmers from around Turkey and overseas. It has a flavour and colour all of its own and is a mainstay in the Turkish open water swimming calendar. Agreement has been reached with the Turkish Authorities to close the Straits to all boat traffic during the swim, allowing this historic event to take place. The swim starts on the European shore and swimmers will head to the town of Çanakkale on the Asian side, our base for the event.

In addition, there is an opportunity for a swim coaching session prior to the swim with one of our experienced open water coaches. Along with a post race dinner and optional tours to Gallipoli & Troy, this is an excellent opportunity to swim this historic crossing.

The Byron Swim Festival was attended by over 140 swimmers including the Right Honourable Charles Byron who swam in honour of his predecessor.

This was the initial opportunity to celebrate the bicentenary of Byron’s crossing and it turned out to be a great event.