5ª Swim for ELA

The waters stretching between Calafat and Cambrils hold a character defined by the steady currents of the western Mediterranean. Swimmers navigating this 23-kilometer coastal corridor encounter a rhythmic swell, typical of this section of the Catalan coastline, where the transition from the rugged cliffs of the south to the flatter, sandy stretches approaching Cambrils changes the water's surface tension and clarity. The experience is one of constant motion, where the salt concentration provides a buoyancy that aids long-distance endurance, yet demands focus on the subtle, shifting pull of the sea as it interacts with the local headlands.

Race day logistics

This event operates as a relay, requiring teams of four to six swimmers to maintain a continuous presence in the water over the 23-kilometer course. With a 100 EUR registration fee per team, the organizational structure is built around supporting this sustained effort; the budget accounts for the specific logistics of open-sea monitoring and the coordination of vessel support. Participants must manage their own hydration and nutrition protocols from their support craft, as the format dictates that at least one athlete is always moving forward. The race typically takes place in late May, when the water temperature begins to stabilize for the season, allowing for comfortable long-duration swimming without the extreme thermal stress found in earlier months.

Purpose and participation

Organized by the Upside down Challenge and the Fundación Luzón, the primary objective is to drive funding and awareness for ALS research. Each team is tasked with meeting a minimum fundraising goal of 500 EUR, turning the 23-kilometer crossing into a collective endeavor. Since its inception, the event has gathered momentum, with the team achieving the highest total donation receiving formal recognition. It serves as a rigorous test of endurance, where the physical challenge of the distance is tied directly to the charitable requirement, ensuring that every stroke taken between the two ports contributes to the ongoing research efforts.