The crossing, a benchmark for open water swimming in the Canary Islands, will take place on September 12th with three distances, finishing at the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse.
The Maspalomas Open Water Gran Canaria open water swim celebrates its 15th anniversary, not only as one of the benchmark open water swimming events in the Canary Islands but also with a record number of participants, with more than 500 registered and the long distance course almost fully booked.
The race will be held on September 12th and will have three distances: 7.400 meters, from El Pajar Beach to the Maspalomas Lighthouse; 2.000 meters, from Las Meloneras Beach to the Lighthouse; and 1.000 meters, from Maspalomas Beach to the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
The competition will feature national and international participation, with athletes from more than a dozen countries, and has already reached 30% female participation. Furthermore, it is an inclusive event with adapted participation, including swimmers of varying abilities, ensuring that this competition is free of barriers and labels.
But this 15th anniversary goes a step further. This year, Gran Canaria's most iconic swim will extend its reach to fill the weekend with sport, marine conservation, awareness, and a passion for the oceans, with a three-day program designed for all ages and tastes.
On Friday, September 11, participants will receive their bags, and the International Ocean Film Tour will begin its 'Educational' format. On Sunday, September 13, a beach cleanup will be held at Meloneras Beach as part of the Open Water Eco Friendly initiative. The main event, on Saturday, September 12, will feature a program of activities for athletes, including live music, a children's area, food trucks, an expo, massages, and sports rehabilitation, among other services.
The event also maintains a strong environmental commitment, with trophies made entirely from recycled materials, a policy of reusing materials, and a firm commitment to its zero waste philosophy.
As Pablo González, promoter and manager of Top Time Eventos, highlighted at a press conference, “Fifteen years later, we can say that Maspalomas Open Water is no longer just a swim; it’s a defining sporting event for Gran Canaria.” The Maspalomas Open Water has evolved from a well-established race to an event with national and international reach, which will exceed 500 participants for its 15th anniversary, demonstrating that interest continues to grow.”
The Maspalomas Open Water is much more than a competition: it's "an experience that unites sport, inclusion, and participation." This year, the commitment is renewed because "we want everyone, regardless of their level or condition, to find their place in this event and enjoy a unique course, accompanied by music, activities, food, and various services to make the day a true celebration of sport." Turning 15 will be a reason to celebrate, but also to "continue growing." This year, the finish at the Maspalomas Lighthouse will be unique, as has been announced, because "we're looking for a sporting challenge, but also an unforgettable experience."
The Sports Councillor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Aridany Romero , highlighted the importance of the Maspalomas Open Water swimming event "for one of the most important municipalities in terms of sports, with a climate that allows people to enjoy outdoor sports for much of the year." He also congratulated the organizers "for continuing to improve year after year and for celebrating this 15th anniversary with an event that brings together young people, adults, and seniors through swimming."
Romero also highlighted the "inclusive and participatory nature of an event that features three different distances, adapting to different levels and making open water swimming an opportunity to enjoy the sport, stay active and share a healthy experience in a privileged environment like Maspalomas."
For his part, the mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez , celebrated what he considers a firmly established event on the calendar for sports enthusiasts. As he emphasized, “Fifteen years speaks of continuity, consolidation, and also the capacity this event has had to grow and become a benchmark in open water swimming.” Currently, “everything indicates that we will exceed 500 participants, a figure that perfectly reflects the scale this event has reached.”
“Alongside the Spanish participants, we will have athletes from Germany, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, Argentina, France, Hungary, Ireland, and Sweden, among other countries,” which “confirms something very important to us: Maspalomas continues to strengthen its ability to attract international sports and visitors.” This edition is not only special because it marks its fifteenth anniversary, but also because “we continue to see how participation is growing, how the swimmers' origins are expanding, and how Maspalomas is consolidating its position as a leading venue for outdoor sports.”
