Bosphorus cross-continental swim returns with enhanced safety measures
(AA photo)
The 38th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race brought 2,500 swimmers to Istanbul’s Bosphorus on Aug. 23, with organizers introducing enhanced safety measures following the fatal disappearance of Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov during last year’s event.
Organized by the Turkish Olympic Committee (TMOK) since 1989, the 6.5-kilometer race began at 10 a.m. from the Kanlıca Ferry Terminal on the Asian side and will finish at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park on the European shore. The Bosphorus was closed to maritime traffic in both directions between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the competition.
Half of this year’s field is Turkish, while 1,250 swimmers have traveled from 64 countries to take part. The athletes are crossing the strait from Asia to Europe against the backdrop of Istanbul’s historic waterfront, including views of landmarks such as Rumeli Fortress.
