An open-water marathon is held in open waters, with distances of up to 10 kilometres, which are swum with no assistance and no stopping.

The Marathon races can occur in any open water, whether sea, lake, river or canal.

In 1986 open water swimming was officially recognised by the FINA(Fédération Internationale de Nation), the international swimming federation; thus, it is now on the international competition calendar.

However, it was only recognised by the public in 2008, when it was introduced at the Beijing Olympic games.

What are the rules for marathon swimming?

1. Start and finish of a race

The official start of each swimmer commences with the entering into the water. If any geographical obstacle is in the way, such as a cliff, the swimmer starts the race by touching the obstacle and eventually let’s go to commence swimming. The same goes for the finish. As soon as out of the water, the race is finished. With an obstacle, touching the obstacle at the end will count as a finish.

2. No contact with any objects

During the race, the swimmer is prohibited from touching any object to support them during their swim, whether it be a vessel or support personnel.

3. Standard equipment

Performance-enhancing equipment is not allowed. This includes equipment that may increase warmth, gloves, booties etc. Equipment that increases speed will include flippers and paddles. Buoyancy-increasing equipment such as certain wetsuits. No electronic devices which either will enable the swimmer to receive extra help through external sources, and no music devices. Most certainly, no performance-enhancing drugs.

The standard equipment would be a swimsuit with standard coverage, single textile. Otherwise one swimming cap which consists of either latex or silicone. A pair of goggles, ear plugs and nose clips. The body is allowed to be greased for better speed.

4. No intentional drafting

Drafting is when a swimmer intentionally goes behind a slightly faster swimmer, which will ease the swimming due to the wake created by the other swimmer.

The only reason for drafting to be allowed is when a swimmer is feeding.

Feeding is when swimmers will stop at a feeding station, where they either get water or small bits of food, such as raisins, to keep them hydrated and energy at a high level. Whilst feeding, the swimmer will still be in the water, treading. 

5. Support swimmers

Support swimmers are individuals who swim next to the contestants, supporting them in the swim. The maximum a support swimmer is allowed to swim alongside is an hour, and there should be a minimum of an hour between support swims.

The support swimmer(s) must be slightly behind and are not allowed to touch the contestant.

6. Respect for the environment

The marathon is held in open water. The environment the race is held in, should be respected. Any harm to marine wildlife and ecosystems should be prevented.

What is the longest distance in marathon swimming?

The longest distance in marathon swimming is 88 kilometres. This distance is swum at the last race of the Quini 6 series. The Quini 6 is a professional marathon swimming circuit held in Argentina. It contains three different river races.

It is also the distance swum at the second race at the FINA open water swimming Grand Prix circuit. The FINA UltraMarathon Swim Series is a global series with races all year round. 

Open water swimming

Swimming unassisted for such long distances is something not everyone can do. It requires a lot of strength and discipline. With the Olympics introducing marathon swimming as one of the sports disciplines, it will hopefully have more recognition within the swimming disciplines. 

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