Arena AquaChallenge 2024 Open Water Swimming Competition – OpEd

The Arena AquaChallenge swimming competition, open to athletes of all ages, was held at the Heybeliada Water Sports Club on Saturday and Sunday, September 7-8, 2024. To participate in this open water swimming event, athletes were required to meet specific health criteria, complete a contract, and register online in advance.

On the afternoon of Friday, September 6, 2024, race kits were distributed to the athletes. These kits included a t-shirt, towel, cap, swim cap, and a backpack. Timing chips, used to record race times, were handed out to the participants before the races. Competitors could reach the race venue on their own or take the Mavi Marmara ferry departing from Bostancı Pier at 6:30 AM.

We traveled from Büyükada to Heybeli by ferry, and then took an İBB İETT taxi from the pier to the Heybeliada Water Sports Club. On the way back, we walked the 1.2-kilometer distance.

The first race for each age category was held on a 5,000-meter course, starting from the Heybeliada Water Sports Club and circling around Kaşık Island. A 2,000-meter race followed in the afternoon.

Sunday morning began with heavy rain, but the weather cleared up later, with the sun coming out and temperatures rising. The most challenging race, the 5,000-meter event, was scheduled to start at 8:30 AM from Çam Limanı and finish back at the Heybeliada Water Sports Club. Despite the rain, the races went ahead, providing a unique experience for the participants. A 1,000-meter race was held at 1:30 PM on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, there were relay races and nighttime events on the program. Various medals and trophies were awarded to participants and winners.

Many companies sponsored the event, contributing significantly to its success. Among these were well-known brands such as Skoda, Quick Finans, Quick Sigorta, Setur, Jotun, Shell, and Aroma. Each race was named after its sponsoring company, which played a crucial role in making the event possible. Aroma’s free distribution of drinking water was greatly appreciated. Additionally, a variety of swimming-related items were sold at discounted prices at the entrance.

Arena AquaChallenge 2024 brought great recognition and vibrancy to Heybeliada. Thanks to this event, we had the opportunity to discover this beautiful location more closely, perhaps for the first time.