The Swim Grand Prix 2024: An Open Water Swimming Spectacle in Portugal
El Swim Grand Prix 2024 was consolidated as the Portugal's biggest open water swimming event, bringing together 700 swimmers from 37 countries in various competitions held throughout the weekend.
Recognized by the Government of Portugal as an event of public interest, this sports festival attracted elite and amateur athletes, consolidating itself as an international reference in this sport.
An Event Affected by Fog
The competitions were set to begin with the iconic Lisbon-Cascais race, the 20-kilometre marquee event that forms part of WOWSA's international Ultra Marathon Swim Series circuit.
However, the day dawned with a dense fog which persisted all morning, forcing the organization to cancel the 10 and 20 kilometer races for security reasons.
This decision did not affect the holding of the children's 200 and 400 metre races, which took place in the afternoon in Cascais Bay, highlighting the importance that the organisers attach to organising family-friendly events and promoting an active lifestyle from an early age.
Competitions
On Sunday, the competition continued with shorter distances, with the 5km, 3.8km, 1.9km and 1km races taking place, all finishing at Praia dos Pescadores in Cascais.
The 3.8 km test replicated the swimming segment of the IRONMAN Portugal-Cascais, allowing triathletes to experience a closed and competitive course.
The winners were Richard Letcher y Carina Bruwer, demonstrating excellent performance on a demanding circuit.
The 5km race, called Travessia S. Pedro do Estoril-Cascais, brought together prominent international swimmers such as the German Leonie Beck, a recent participant in the Paris Olympic Games, and the Italians Mario Sanzullo y Marco Inglima.
During the race, changing weather conditions, with the sudden appearance of fog banks, led the organisation to interrupt the race at 2.5 km, evaluating the positions at the time of the interruption for the final classification.
In the female category Leonie Beck (Germany) and Andrea de la Hera (Spain) shared first place ex aequo, while Elena Lionello took third place.
In the men's category, the Italians Mario Sanzullo y Marco Inglima They also shared the victory in first place ex aequo, followed by the Portuguese Goncalo Santos, who completed the podium in third position.
Cascais, a sports and tourism venue
Home of the Swim Grand Prix, Cascais is much more than just a sports destination. With its combination of beaches, culture and vibrant local life, it offers visitors a complete experience.
From the majestic Promenade to the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the region is a perfect destination for companions of sportsmen and women, providing opportunities to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
More Information https://swimgp.com/
