Marathon swimming is the act of swimming open water at least 10 km (6.2 miles) in oceans, lakes, rivers, or bays, according to FINA regulations. It is the “10K” and is included in the Olympics and is one of the greatest endurance swimming challenges.
Swimmers are exposed to various conditions such as currents, waves, temperature fluctuations, and navigating the route. The events take at least two hours of good swimming, clever drafting, and cautious feeding. Swim training consists of long swimming, navigating, and getting accustomed to cold temperatures. Marathon swimming tests physical endurance, mental resilience, and race strategy, from solo channel swims to large event races where numerous swimmers set off at the same moment.
