82. Kontxa Badiako Igerialdia

The 82. Kontxa Badiako Igerialdia covers a 2,220-meter circular course in the Bay of La Concha, San Sebastián. This event, which has been held since 1943, serves as the final competition in the Gipuzkoa open water circuit. Swimmers start and finish at the pier of the Real Club Náutico and are required to keep all buoys to their left throughout the duration of the race. The event is scheduled for September 12, 2026, with a strictly enforced time limit of 75 minutes. Should a participant exceed this threshold, organization vessels are stationed to retrieve swimmers from the water. Participation is capped at 600 entrants, with entry fees ranging from 5 to 30 EUR depending on the distance category chosen, which includes a 350m race for the 'Emakumeok Mugimenduan' initiative and a 740m youth distance alongside the main 2,220m event.

The race day experience

The competition takes place in the Cantabrian Sea, a body of water known for its Atlantic influence and varying conditions. The circular route within the bay provides a controlled environment, yet the proximity to the open ocean means that water conditions are closely monitored by the race organizers. As the final event of the local league, the atmosphere at the nautical club pier is particularly intense, marking the culmination of the summer swimming calendar in the Basque Country. Registration opens in early April and remains accessible until the week prior to the event, necessitating early planning for those aiming to secure a spot within the 600-swimmer limit. Detailed regulations are provided by the organizers, emphasizing the requirement for all participants to adhere to the designated navigational path to ensure both speed and safety during the 2.22km crossing.