We are thrilled to be able to say that the Marathon River Swim Series (MRSS), new for 2024, has won 7th place in the World Open Water Swimming Awards for ‘Best Event’!
Our series brings together three of the most prestigious open water swim marathons in Europe: The Flow des Gabarriers (France), the UltraEbre (Spain) and the Thames Marathon in the UK. Swimmers that complete all three long swims in the space of five years are crowned Marathon River Man or Woman. 2025 is an exciting year as we’re expecting to crown our very first finishers this summer! There are currently 2 swimmers that have completed 2 of the 3 swims required. Watch this space!
The World Open Water Association (WOWSA) is an international organisation that promotes open water swimming around the world, including safe swimming, sportsmanship, worldwide success of the sport, and the fostering of a community of open water swimmers that welcomes everybody to learn, grow and achieve their goals. Each year, their awards showcase some of the most impressive swimming feats, services and events across the globe.
7,000 votes were cast to decide which of the nominees won in each category, and it is an incredible achievement that the Marathon River Swim Series has been placed 7th, from a very strong field showcasing the best of open water swimming events across the world. This is a significant accomplishment for the series still in its very first year of operation.
Grégory Lécrevisse, organiser of Le Flow des Gabarriers said,
“It’s been an awesome 10 days since we were nominated! I wish to thank everyone who voted for the Marathon River Swim Series. Congratulations to all the nominees – for events offering great swimming vibes across the globe. The Marathon River Swim Series starts in France on the 14th of June, followed by Spain on the 5th of July and will conclude in England on the 10th of August. We can’t wait to welcome our swimmers in our beautiful European rivers!”
The three swims operate as independent events, but have joined forces to offer a further challenge to their participants. They share a passion for delivering safe and unforgettable river swim experiences, against the stunning backdrop of some of the world’s most picturesque rivers. The Marathon River Swim Series aims to unite open water enthusiasts and athletes from around the world in a celebration of endurance, determination, and natural beauty.
Le Flow des Gabarriers offers a choice of two marathon distances, 16km or 33km, in the Charente river in the Cognac region of France. The UltraEbre was established in 2012 and offers a 30km swim along the Ebro river through Catalonia. The Thames Marathon at 13km is the shortest of the events but is also the largest regularly attracting up to 1000 swimmers. Registration for the 2025 editions of all three events is currently open.