distance swimming

sport

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June 25, 2026

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Distance swimming is a competitive swimming discipline that encompasses any race longer than 1,500 meters (1,640 yards). These events often range from 24 to 59 kilometers (15 to 37 miles), with some exceeding 80 kilometers. World Aquatics governs official distance races of 5, 10, and 25 kilometers.

The sport has a rich history, with early regulation focusing on English Channel crossings, famously first achieved by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875. Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to conquer the Channel in 1926. Distance swimming events, including a 10 km open-water race, were added to the Olympic program in 2008. Notable achievements include Diana Nyad's 2013 swim from Cuba to Florida.1

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swimming
Distance swimming
Any swimming competition longer than 1,500 meters (1,640 yards) is considered distance swimming. Most long-distance races are in the 24- to 59-km (15- to 37-mile) range, though some, such as the Lake George marathon (67 km [41.5 miles]) and the Lake Michigan Endurance…
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Any swimming competition longer than 1,500 meters (1,640 yards) is considered distance swimming. Most long-distance races are in the 24- to 59-km (15- to 37-mile) range, though some, such as the Lake George marathon (67 km [41.5 miles]) and the Lake Michigan Endurance…
Read More