The 36th Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, one of the world’s most prestigious open-water swimming events, saw over 2,800 swimmers from five continents take part in its unique course connecting two continents (Europe and Asia) on 25 August.

Organised by the Turkish Olympic Committee and sponsored by Samsung Türkiye, the race was held in coordination with the Istanbul Governorship and in cooperation with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, along with 26 public, private and non-governmental entities.

A total of 2,836 participants, including 1,967 men and 869 women, commenced this year’s 36th edition of the race at 10 a.m. from the shores of Kanlıca on the Anatolian side.

The race, spanning approximately three hours, concluded at the Kuruçeşme shore on the European side, where a large audience gathered.

The Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race was first inaugurated on July 23, 1989, with 68 swimmers.