by InTrieste
The Barcolana Nuota, a celebrated open water swimming event, is set to mark a decade of its inaugural splash this year, continuing to capture the interest of swim enthusiasts from around the world. Scheduled for October 6, this year’s event promises to elevate its appeal with a host of new features, including an extended course and a fresh start and finish location.
Trieste, known for its picturesque Adriatic coastline, will once again serve as the backdrop for the competition. The 2024 edition introduces a significant change: the race course will now stretch to 1,850 meters, or one nautical mile, up from the previous 1,000 meters. Both the start and finish lines will be situated at Scala Reale, an iconic spot in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia, enhancing the event’s visibility and appeal.
Mitja Gialuz, president of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s growth. “Barcolana Nuota has matured significantly over the years,” Gialuz said. “We’re now ready for an international leap, and we look forward to welcoming a larger crowd to swim together in our Adriatic Sea. Reaching the tenth edition is a testament to its growing popularity among both the public and participants.”
The event, organized in collaboration with US Triestina Nuoto Samer & Co. Shipping, has garnered a loyal following since its inception. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone,” said Renzo Isler, president of US Triestina Nuoto. “What started as a small gathering of enthusiasts has grown into a renowned international event, largely fueled by the global appeal of the Barcolana sailing regatta.”
Barcolana Nuota has seen considerable growth in the open water swimming community. This year, the event will feature a newly formed long-distance swimming team, which has made notable strides over the past season. Athletes, including both Olympians and Paralympians, are set to compete in various upcoming national events, adding further prestige to the Barcolana Nuota.
The race will unfold along a scenic nautical mile course, with participants traversing the waters directly in front of Trieste’s main square. This revamped route aims to enhance the event’s quality and attract a broader range of competitors. The awards ceremony will take place on the same day at 2:00 PM in Piazza dell’Unità, where medals will be awarded to the top finishers, including the youngest and oldest participants, along with category winners.
The competition is open to all open water swimming enthusiasts born on or after January 1, 2014, who hold a valid medical certificate for competitive or non-competitive sports. International athletes must meet their home country’s medical regulations and possess a relevant swimming federation card.
Registrations are currently open at www.barcolana.it for a fee of 35 euros, with the deadline set for midnight on October 2. Late entries will be accepted with a higher fee of 50 euros. Registered participants will receive detailed information via email regarding the start procedures. An official event bag, provided by Barcolana’s Exclusive Clothing Partner Murphy&Nye, will include a commemorative t-shirt, a mandatory numbered swim cap, a snack from new partner Eataly, and a timing chip. Materials can be collected either on the day of the event or on October 5 at the Barcolana Info Point in Piazza dell’Unità.
