More than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries braved strong currents in the 37th Bosporus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, completing a 6.5-kilometer course that links Asia to Europe across Istanbul’s iconic waterway.

The annual race, organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee (TMOK) with support from the Istanbul governorship, the metropolitan municipality, 26 public institutions and several non-governmental organizations, has grown into one of the world’s premier open-water events.

Participants were ferried by boat to the starting point in Kanlıca on the Asian side before diving into the Bosphorus.

Battling shifting currents and choppy waters, competitors made their way to the finish line at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park on the European shore, where awards were handed out in a post-race ceremony.

What began in 1989 with just 68 swimmers is now considered the world’s most prestigious open water competition.

The event was named “Best Open Water Swimming Event of the Year” by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) in 2016 and included in its list of the “Top 100 Open Water Swimming Races in the World” in 2019.

For many participants, the appeal lies not only in the competition but also in the rare chance to swim between two continents.