The Pirates Week 5K is being held for the 31st time on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands today.

Last year, Olympic gold medalist Ous Mellouli was upset by 17-year-old Alex McCallum of the Stingray Swim Club who swam the race of his life and upset 2-time Olympic champion during the 35th annual Pirates Week Festival.

The Cayman Islands’ 11-day festival includes a gorgeous 5 km Sea Swim in addition to music bands, street dances, dry land competitions, games, food and drink festivals, parades, sports events, Heritage Days, a pirate invasion and firework displays.

After the Pirates Week 5 km race, there is a mock pirate invasion from the sea where old-time sailing vessels, loaded with pirates make an explosive landing at the bowl-shaped George Town harbour with the pirates capturing tourists and locals alike.

Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association