Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race 2026

The 38th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race brings swimmers from around the world to Istanbul on 23 August 2026 for one of the city’s most extraordinary sporting events. The annual open-water race gives participants the rare opportunity to swim from Asia to Europe through the Bosphorus, one of Istanbul’s defining landmarks.

The 6.5-kilometre course begins in Kanlıca on Istanbul’s Asian side and finishes at Cemil Topuzlu Park in Kuruçeşme on the European side. During the race, the Bosphorus is temporarily closed to maritime traffic, transforming one of the world’s busiest waterways into an international open-water swimming course.

Held annually since 1989, the race has become one of Istanbul’s most distinctive international sporting traditions. More than 2,000 swimmers from dozens of countries typically take part, creating a truly international atmosphere around the event.

For travelers, the race offers an experience that is uniquely connected to Istanbul’s geography. Participants literally cross between two continents while swimming through the Bosphorus, with views of the city’s waterfront, historic neighborhoods and iconic skyline along the way.

The race is primarily aimed at registered swimmers, but the surrounding atmosphere and Bosphorus setting also make it an interesting event for visitors who want to experience Istanbul beyond its traditional sightseeing attractions.