The Lisbon-Cascais Swim Grand Prix: An Open Water Festival Attracting Swimmers from Around the World
It is the largest open water competition in Portugal
This weekend, the coasts of Cascais and Lisbon will become the setting for the Swim Grand Prix, the largest open water swimming event in Portugal.
With the participation of 700 swimmers, including international elite athletes, the event is positioned as one of the most prestigious competitions on the circuit of the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA).
Various distances
The Swim Grand Prix stands out for its variety of distances, including the iconic Lisbon-Cascais crossing of 20 km, the longest open water race in mainland Portugal and one of the most important in the world.
This aquatic ultramarathon is part of the select group of international events along with the Capri-Napoli Crossing (Italy), the Traversée du Lac St. Jean (Canada) and the Trans Tahoe Crossing (USA).
The day will begin on Saturday with the 10 km competition between Oeiras and Cascais, which already has a record number of registrations, followed by Children's 200m and 400m races, encouraging the participation of the entire family.
On Sunday, the swimmers will face shorter distances, 5 km, 3.8 km, 1.9 km and 1 km, all arriving at the iconic Praia dos Pescadores in Cascais.
These races, which include point-to-point courses for the first time, offer triathletes the opportunity to compete in the same swimming circuit as IRONMAN Portugal-Cascais.
International Participation and Prominent Figures
Among the participants are illustrious names from the world of open water swimming.
The Spanish Andrea de la Hera, the absolute winner of the previous edition in the 20 km and 5 km distances, returns with the intention of revalidating her title.
Ellena Lionello, representing the Pallermonuoto club of Italy, also joins the competition after an outstanding performance in other international ultramarathons such as Capri-Napoli.
In the men's category, the Moroccan Hassan Baraka, known for his extreme feats and his Guinness record in crossing the Gulf of Aqaba, will face the challenge of 20 km alongside other great swimmers such as Marco Inglima y Leonie Beck, the latter an Olympian and former world champion in the 5 and 10 km.
The event will also feature the participation of the Italian Mario Sanzullo, multiple champion in national and international championships.
Tourism and Sports Impact in Cascais
Beyond the competition, the Swim Grand Prix promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
Cascais, a picturesque coastal town known for its natural beauty and rich cultural offering, is the perfect host for this event. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches, the majestic Pena Palace and the fascinating cycling and hiking trails that surround the region.
The event is also a great showcase for sports tourism, attracting families and fans who take the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Portuguese coast.
Furthermore, the collaboration between the municipalities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais and the support of key sponsors such as Decathlon, Track&Field and the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, underline the commitment to the development and internationalisation of the event.
Statements from the Organizers
Jorge Pereira, one of the event organizers, highlighted the importance of the internationalization of the race: “If you want to swim, swim 1km, but if you want to change your life, swim a marathon or an ultramarathon.. "
The support of local authorities has been fundamental to the growth and popularity of the event, consolidating Portugal as a benchmark in open water swimming.
El Swim Grand Prix It is certainly more than just a race; it is a celebration of sport, community and the beauty of the Portuguese environment.
With a promising future ahead, this competition continues to attract the world's best swimmers, raising Portugal's profile in international sport.