New Open Water Swimming Event 'Virgen Blanca Crossing' Launched in Álava

The event, scheduled for July 26th in Legutio, will feature 600m, 1,000m, and 3,000m courses.

Generic image of an open water swimming event in a calm lake with green hills.
IA

Generic image of an open water swimming event in a calm lake with green hills.

Open water swimming will see a new competition added to the Alava calendar this summer. The Alava Swimming Federation has organized the I. Virgen Blanca Crossing, set to take place on July 26th at the 'Josetxo Fernández Vaqueriza' Regatta Course in Legutio.

This event, promoted by the Alava federation, aims to become an "annual fixture" for enthusiasts of the discipline. It will be open to participants of all ages and skill levels, with adapted routes.
The day will feature three categories: a 600-meter children's race, a 1,000-meter popular crossing, and the main 3,000-meter event, divided into categories A, B, and C. The maximum time allowed for the 3,000m race is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The races will take place on July 26th: the children's race starts at 10:00 AM, the main event at 10:30 AM, and the popular crossing at 10:40 AM. All will depart from the Pantalán, with the finish line located on a ramp prepared by the organizers.
Registration is now open and will close on July 19th. A limit of 300 participants is set for the popular and main events, with 100 swimmers for the children's category. Participants under 18 years of age must present signed consent from their legal guardian.
The registration fee includes an official cap, chip timing, refreshments, cloakroom service, and accident insurance. Participants in the popular crossing will also receive a commemorative medal.
Official timing will be provided by 'The Rock Sport', who will also validate classifications and times. Bibs and chips can be collected on the day of the competition between 9:00 AM and 9:50 AM.
The organizers will establish an overall classification and separate rankings by category and gender. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each distance and category, for both male and female participants. The first local finisher in each distance will also be recognized.
Among the competition rules, participants must use the cap provided by the organization and are prohibited from swimming with watches, music players, or auxiliary equipment like fins. Wetsuit use will be permitted if the water temperature is below 18 degrees Celsius or if deemed necessary by the organizers for safety reasons.