The Global Swim Series Top 10 European Open Water Swimming Events for 2019
The Global Swim Series (GSS) is exactly what it says it is. Created in 2014 with 12 races in Canada it now consists of 175 races (and counting), in 36 countries and has more than 110,000 participants. Participation in any GSS earns swimmers points depending on their finishing time and position that are entered into a giant league, allowing swimmers to see how they compare with fellow swimmers around the world. However, it’s not really about the competition. The goal of the GSS is to promote open water swimming and a healthy, active and adventurous lifestyle. To get you started, Rob Kent, founder of the GSS, has drawn up his list of the 10 most exciting and interesting GSS open water swims in Europe. To find out more about these or other great races, visit GlobalSwimSeries.com
1. Endurace Swimming Marathon – Romania
Rob says: “A fun off-the-beaten track race.”
Glendalough National Park Swim – Ireland
Rob says: “spectacular beauty in the mountains of this national park.”
3. Liffey Swim – Dublin, Ireland
Rob says: “the oldest consecutively run open water race in the world! This year is 100th anniversary.”
Open Swim Stars – Paris, France
Rob says: “a rare chance to swim in Paris! A great destination race.”
Roermond City Swim – Roermond, Holland
Rob says: “the whole community in this small Dutch town has gotten behind it and it has become a big deal!”
Santorini Experience – Greece
Rob says: “a big multi-day, multi-sport festival. You can also hit the Navarino Challenge, also in Greece, the following weekend.”
Swim the Island – Bergeggi, Italy
Rob says: “One of the biggest and best run races in Europe. A spectacular location too.”
The Dee Mile – Chester, England
Rob says: “one of the oldest races in the world, started in 1922. Historic, quirky and lots of fun.”
The Kotlin Race – St Petersburg, Russia
Rob says: “25km solo or relay swim that allows you to compete with swimmers on other days. Beautiful city.”
Vansbrosimmingen – Sweden
Rob says: “the second largest race in the world with more than 16,000 swimmers. A real bucket list race.”
Simon Griffiths
I created Outdoor Swimmer in 2011 (initially as H2Open Magazine) as an outlet for my passion for swimming outdoors. I've been a swimmer and outdoor swimmer for as long as I remember. Swimming has made a huge difference to my life and I want to share its joys and benefits with as many people as possible. I am also the author of Swim Wild & Free: A Practical Guide to Swimming Outdoors 365 a Year and I provide one-to-one support to swimmers through Swim Mentoring.
