Circuito TH5 Travessia 2026 — Etapa 2 (Bertioga)

The morning air at Praia do Indiá carries a distinct rhythm. Long before the first horn sounds, the local community gathers along the shoreline, joined by the dedicated regulars of the TH5 Eventos circuit who return to these waters every season to test their consistency in the Atlantic. This is a stretch of coast where the horizon is defined by the silhouette of the Forte de São João, the oldest Portuguese fortification in Brazil. Standing since 1547, the fort was built to command the entrance of the Bertioga Canal, and as you navigate the early stages of your race, you swim past the same defensive line that once monitored maritime traffic and served as a staging ground for expeditions carving out the history of Rio de Janeiro.

Historical currents and shadows

While you focus on your stroke, it is impossible to ignore the weight of the stories embedded in these currents. The annals of this region include the harrowing account of Hans Staden, a German mercenary captured in 1552 while stationed at the very fort that now overlooks your race. His subsequent captivity by the Tupinambá people and his eventual release resulted in one of the most widely read chronicles of the colonial era. The water itself holds more somber memories; it was in these specific waters off the coast of Bertioga that the Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele met his end in 1979 while swimming, a grim footnote that remains inextricably linked to the local lore of the town. These narratives provide a stark contrast to the natural beauty of the nearby Restinga de Bertioga State Park, which shelters extensive mangroves and Atlantic rainforest ecosystems just a few kilometers from the race site.

Race day logistics

As the second stage of the 2026 circuit, this event places high value on organization, managing the complex maritime environment of the channel with professional support crews. Those who have already tested their endurance in the northern stretches of the coast might recognize the intensity required here, similar to the demands faced by swimmers at the Ultra do Ita 2026 earlier in March. Wetsuit regulations for this stage are announced through official race bulletins shortly before the event, so keeping an eye on the latest updates is essential for your preparation. The temperature of the Atlantic in late March typically offers a temperate environment, yet the tidal shifts within the canal can fluctuate, requiring a smart approach to your pacing. Whether you are chasing a personal best or simply aiming to complete the distance, the race offers a rare perspective on a coastline where every buoy seems to mark a transition between the deep history of the colonial era and the modern athletic community.