Bulgarian Ports
Infrastructure Company

Over 260 competitors took part in the 84th edition of the International Galata - Varna swimming marathon that was held on August 4^th, 2024. Despite the severe weather conditions, the swimmers showed strong sportsmanship and moral resilience. Yasen Bonev and Kalina Nikolaeva from Varna were the fastest to overcome the challenges of the wind and the waves, taking the first places in the men's and women's categories, achieving a time of just over an hour. The two winners received special gifts from the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.).

The sports competition is held in the city of Varna every year on the first Sunday of August. The entire swimming marathon course traces the sea line from Cape Galata to the second seashore embankment at Varna beach and its lengths is about 4,500 meters. Due to the impossibility of swimming in open water without marked corridors, the swimmers have to swim about 5,000 meters indeed. Rowing boats and Navy cutters accompanied the participants, ensuring their safety.

Competitors from all over the country participated in this year's swimming marathon, as well as swimmers from Great Britain, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Turkey and Denmark. The event is open to all citizens and guests of Varna over the age of 12. Professional Sports Club Cherno More, the Municipality of Varna and the Naval Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria are the organizers of the event.