Three years have passed since the classic Tabarca-Santa Pola swim returned, drawing about 1,400 participants. This Sunday, the starting signal will go off at 07:30, sending swimmers from Tabarca island toward Varadero beach along a six-kilometer course. Safety measures have been strengthened for this edition compared to earlier runs. The pandemic paused the event after 2019, and although attempts to renegotiate the date surfaced in the years since, they were ultimately unsuccessful until now. The swim festival resumes with the organization delivering its dependable, crowd-pleasing execution. While costs rose and sparked debate, organizers explained the fare increase through social channels, noting that more participants and higher operational costs required adjustments. A number of swimmers chose not to secure a place as the price rose to 70 euros per swimmer.
With the discussion behind them, the swimming festival proceeds with enthusiasm. Daniel Ponce and Miguel Bou are among the favorites expected to contend for victory. Ponce, a swimmer from Valencia, arrives in peak form, maintaining a podium position across consecutive years.
The event will unite swimmers from more than 15 countries, drawing participants from around the globe. Safety remains a central pillar of the event’s planning. On the water, at least a hundred canoes and support inflatable boats will accompany the athletes along the approximately 5,900-meter route.
The podium from the last edition featured notable competitors such as Marín, Esquitino, and Ponce. The presence of the Red Cross, Civil Guard, Civil Protection, and Local Police enhances security and coordination. Each swimmer must carry a chip, a safety whistle, an individual buoy, and a cap for the entire journey. Hydration will be available at the 3-kilometer mark, and there will be buoys every 100 meters plus two floating island stations to handle emergencies.
Solo Swimming Club contributed 40 solidarity slots to assist the Red Cross food bank. Each solidarity slot costs 170 euros, with 100 euros allocated to the donation. The event sets a maximum time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the swim, with an expected finish window ending around 11:00. Swimmers must maintain pace discipline at all kilometers, ensuring no one exceeds the 1:45 per kilometer benchmark at the third kilometer.
record pass
JOSE ALBERTO ALVAREZ
The countdown is underway for one of the calendar’s most anticipated events, especially after the three-year pause caused by the pandemic. The swim begins with a 06:00 departure from the Tabarquera route toward the island, where the official start will be given an hour later. Early weather forecasts predict favorable sea conditions for a smooth crossing.
In addition to the main swim, the Culture House will host related activities. From 19:00 to 21:00, talks about swimming and sport will be presented by journalist Salvador Campello, who will offer a concise briefing on the competition and moderate an interactive discussion among participants. A photographic exhibition related to the most recent edition, Tabarca-Santa Pola 2019, will be on display at the Casa de Cultura through July 14.