Lord George Gordon Byron (1788 – 1824) is regarded as one of the greatest British poets who remains widely read and influential.
An Honor Swimmer inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 1982, Lord Byron is considered one of the earliest pioneers of open water swimming. His most celebrated swim was as a 22-year-old when he swam 6.4 km across the Hellespont, emulating the legendary Leander who in Greek mythology was known for his love of Hero and swimming the Hellespont.
So following in the legendary wakes of Leander and Lord Byron, contemporary aquatic adventures can participate in the 2025 Hellespont Swim from Europe to Asia – a crossing steeped in myth, history, and unforgettable memories.
The Hellespont, also known as the Dardanelles, is a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey that separates Europe from Asia. It connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara and has been a critical waterway throughout history.
Make Your Own History by Swimming the Hellespont
Each year, on Turkey’s Victory Day (August 30th), the Dardanelles — one of the world’s busiest shipping channels — closes temporarily for over 1,000 swimmers to take on this historic intercontinental challenge. Wearing bright swim caps and accompanied by a safety flotilla, participants swim from Europe to Asia, across the same waters that inspired myth and made history.
The Birth of SwimTrek
This event inspired the founding of SwimTrek in 2003, when British aquapreneur Simon Murie (53, MSF bio here) entered the Hellespont. From that experience, a new market of swim holidays was born. Not only does SwimTrek offer 87 different swim holidays around the world, but others have been replicating his efforts on all the continents around the globe. Similar to Murie’s first venture of intercontinental swimming, people find the event a significant milestone, a great memory, a steppingstone to additional open water swims, and a communal celebration of history, endurance, and adventure.
It is often described as “a really fantastic, well-organized experience”, “the hardest swim I’ve done… but euphoric”, “my favorite ever swim – Europe to Asia”, and “the most classic swim in the world”.
Now Bookings for 2025: Hellespont Race Entries and Tour Packages Available
SwimTrek have just released ‘Hellespont Race Entries’ to cross the Hellespont and swim the 38th annual iconic event this year. There is also the option the join a multi-city tour as part of their Hellespont Week Tour. Compete in the annual ‘Victory Day’ race in Canakkale and explore historic Turkey with tours of Istanbul, Gallipoli and Troy.
Register now at www.swimtrek.com and the Hellespont and the Hellespont Race Entries here.
© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming
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