X-WATERS Нуклеар

Desnogorsk emerged as a planned urban center during the construction of the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant, a project that transformed the local geography. Today, this industrial legacy defines the swimming experience, as the massive RBMK-1000 reactors loom over the reservoir, cooling the waters that sustain a unique local ecosystem. Swimmers navigating these depths often find themselves in an environment where technological ambition meets a serene, man-made landscape, far from the typical maritime setting of open water competitions.

Navigating the cooling pond

Water temperatures in the Desnogorsk Reservoir remain unusually stable throughout the year, kept warm by the power plant’s thermal discharge. By mid-September, when the event takes place, swimmers can typically expect temperatures around 18-20°C. Participants face a diverse set of challenges, ranging from the 500-meter sprint at the city beach to the demanding 10-kilometer marathon. The longest distance begins at the Troyanovsky discharge, where a significant current helps propel athletes into the main basin. Because patches of colder water can occur, the 10km race mandates full wetsuits, while the 5km route starting from the Selchanka river dam offers a rare, wetsuit-free opportunity for those seeking to test their endurance without added buoyancy.

Cultural and natural surroundings

Tracing the shoreline, one passes areas that once marked the Prismara River ethnographic boundary, where traditional Russian peasant costumes began to shift toward Belarusian influences. The landscape is equally shaped by the historic A101 highway, known locally as the 'Old Polish' road, which has long served as a vital artery connecting Moscow to the western frontiers. As you head toward the finish line at the city beach, the surrounding forests exhibit the early signs of the region's vivid autumn colors. The reservoir itself, held at an elevation of 193 meters, serves as a massive, clear lens of water that attracts not only swimmers but also specialized wildlife, including species like Mozambique tilapia that have acclimated to the industrial warmth of the environment. Registration fees span from 44.9 to 139.9 EUR, covering the logistical requirements of a secure, well-monitored course equipped with timing chips and event caps.