Category: Swimming

Video #359: Epic Moments from Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

The Lake Zurich Marathon Swim once again took place in the summer of 2026, continuing a long tradition of open-water endurance on one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. This video offers viewers a chance to experience the spirit of this classic event. The 38th International Sri Chinmoy Marathon Swim was held on Sunday, 19 July 2026. Athletes covered the traditional 26 km course from Rapperswil to Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen in Zurich under warm summer conditions with water temperatures around 25 °C.

Overview of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Thirty-six solo swimmers and 26 relay participants from 17 nations took part in this year’s edition. The event remains one of the longest continuously held open-water marathon swims in Europe and is widely respected for both its physical challenge and its supportive atmosphere. Organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1987, the race emphasises personal achievement, mutual encouragement and the joy of participation rather than pure competition alone.

Ideal Conditions on the Lake

Warm water and pleasant weather created favourable conditions for the long crossing. The scenic route follows the length of Lake Zurich, offering views of the surrounding landscape, towns and mountains. Swimmers must manage pacing, feeding strategies and navigation over many hours while supported by kayakers and escort boats. The finish at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen is always a special moment for athletes, crews and spectators.

Notable Performances in 2026

Several strong results stood out in the 2026 edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim. The Czech disciple relay team of Pataka, Viharin and Peter completed the 26 km in 10:20. Vasanti, aged 69, successfully finished her 11th solo crossing in 12:08 and received warm recognition for this outstanding consistency. Andrea, a multiple champion of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race, completed his eighth solo swim in an impressive 8:49. These achievements reflect the spirit of self-transcendence that characterises every Sri Chinmoy sporting event.

The Atmosphere of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organised this event for nearly four decades. The race is known for its friendly atmosphere, careful organisation and emphasis on inner progress alongside outer achievement. Swimmers of many nationalities come together each year to test their limits on the waters of Lake Zurich. The combination of athletic challenge and supportive community makes the event unique among open-water classics.

Why the Course Remains Special

The 26 km point-to-point route from Rapperswil to Zurich presents both physical and mental demands. Athletes must maintain focus, manage energy and adapt to changing conditions over a long period. The scenic Swiss landscape and the historic start and finish locations provide a memorable setting. Reaching the finish line after many hours in the water is always a rewarding experience for participants of every level.

Official Results and Photos

Full results and race information are available on the official Swiss Sri Chinmoy Races website.

Additional photographs and documentation from recent editions can be found through the Sri Chinmoy Races network. Previous race reports and image galleries help place the 2026 performances within the longer history of the event.

Preparation and the Deeper Side of Marathon Swimming

Successful completion of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim requires careful preparation. Athletes typically build long continuous swims, practise feeding and pacing strategies, and train in open water whenever possible. Mental preparation is equally important — staying calm, focused and positive over many hours is essential for a strong finish. Beyond the physical challenge, events of this kind offer participants an opportunity to experience self-transcendence, inner strength and the simple joy of moving through water for extended periods.

Looking Ahead

The 38th edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim on 19 July 2026 was another successful chapter in this long-running tradition. Warm water, solid performances and a positive community atmosphere combined to create a memorable day. Congratulations to all solo swimmers, relay athletes, volunteers and organisers who made the event possible.

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Inspiring News #134: Epic Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

Epic Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Introduction to the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim

The 38th International Sri Chinmoy Marathon Swim – better known as the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim – took place on Sunday, 19 July 2026 under warm summer conditions. Water temperature was approximately 25°C (77°F). Swimmers covered the classic 26 km route from Rapperswil to Zurich. The event attracted 36 solo swimmers and 26 relay participants representing 17 nations. Congratulations to every athlete who took part in this challenging open-water classic!

Perfect Conditions for a Classic Crossing

Warm water and pleasant summer weather created excellent conditions for the long crossing of Lake Zurich. The course starts at Rapperswil and finishes at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen in Zurich. This scenic route is one of the most respected marathon swims in Europe and ranks among the world’s longest continuously held open-water events. Many participants described the day as both demanding and deeply rewarding.

Standout Performances at the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim

Several remarkable achievements stood out during the 2026 edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim:

  • The Czech disciple relay team of Pataka, Viharin, and Peter completed the 26 km crossing in a strong 10:20.
  • Vasanti (69) successfully finished her 11th solo Lake Zurich swim in 12:08. She received enthusiastic applause at the finish for this outstanding achievement.
  • Andrea (44), a six-time champion of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race, completed his 8th solo crossing in an impressive 8:49.

These performances highlight the spirit of self-transcendence that defines every Sri Chinmoy sporting event.

Vasanti’s Remarkable Consistency

Completing the full 26 km solo for the 11th time is an extraordinary accomplishment. Vasanti’s dedication over many years inspires both newcomers and experienced open-water swimmers. Her steady progress and positive presence at the finish line embodied the values of perseverance and joy that the event seeks to promote.

Andrea’s Impressive Eighth Crossing

Andrea’s time of 8:49 for his eighth solo swim demonstrates both speed and experience. As a multiple 3100 Mile Race champion, he brings the same mental strength and endurance from ultra-running into the water. His consistent success in the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim continues to motivate other athletes.

Meeting an Open-Water Influencer

During the event, Vasanti met well-known open-water swimming influencer Peter Plavec. He has more than 108,000 Instagram followers and is the 1,000-metre winter swimming world champion. Remarkably, he only began swimming five years earlier. Their meeting added a special personal highlight to the day and connected the traditional marathon swim community with the growing online open-water scene.

The 38th Lake Zurich Marathon Swim

The Spirit of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organised this event since 1987. The race is known for its friendly atmosphere, careful organisation, and emphasis on personal achievement rather than pure competition. Swimmers of many nationalities come together each year to test their limits on the beautiful waters of Lake Zurich. The combination of athletic challenge and supportive community makes the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim unique.

Why the Lake Zurich Course Is Special

The 26 km route offers both physical and mental challenges. Swimmers must manage pacing, navigation, and changing conditions over many hours. The scenic Swiss landscape and the historic cities of Rapperswil and Zurich provide a memorable backdrop. Finishing at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen is always a joyful moment for athletes, support crews, and spectators.

International Participation and Community Atmosphere

With athletes from 17 nations, the 2026 edition once again confirmed the international character of the event. Solo and relay categories allow both individual endurance athletes and teams to take part. The presence of experienced veterans alongside first-time participants creates a rich and supportive atmosphere on the water and at the finish.

Official Results and Photos

Full results and race information are available on the official Swiss Sri Chinmoy Races website:

Official Lake Zurich Marathon Swim Page

Previous editions and historical results can be explored via the Sri Chinmoy Races network and open-water swimming resources such as Openwaterpedia and World Open Water Swimming Association archives.

Previous Lake Zurich Marathon Swim Highlights

The race has a long and proud history dating back to 1987. Over the decades, it has attracted many of the world’s top marathon swimmers while remaining accessible to dedicated amateurs. Past editions have seen record performances, multi-year veterans, and inspiring personal stories similar to those of Vasanti and Andrea in 2026.

Training and Preparation Insights

Successful completion of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim requires careful preparation. Athletes typically build long continuous swims, practise feeding and pacing strategies, and train in open water whenever possible. Mental preparation is equally important — staying calm, focused, and positive over many hours is essential for a strong finish.

The Broader Meaning of Marathon Swimming

Events such as the Lake Zurich crossing go beyond pure sport. They offer participants a chance to experience self-transcendence, inner strength, and the simple joy of moving through water for many hours. The supportive environment created by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team helps athletes of all levels discover new capacities within themselves.

Looking Ahead

The 38th edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim on 19 July 2026 was another successful chapter in this long-running tradition. Warm water, strong performances, and a warm community spirit combined to create a memorable day. Congratulations again to all 36 solo swimmers, 26 relay athletes, and the many volunteers and organisers who made the event possible.

We look forward to the next edition and to more inspiring stories from the waters of Lake Zurich.

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #130: Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims in Canberra

Posted on by Yatkara

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims 5km at Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims Canberra Enjoy Perfect Conditions

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims were held at Yarralumla Bay on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. After weeks of hot weather, swimmers were delighted with ideal conditions — still, clear water at a comfortable 22 degrees, an overcast sky, and almost no wind. The rain stayed away, creating one of the most enjoyable open-water swimming days in recent memory.

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims offered three distances: the 5km (four laps of the 1.25km triangular course), the 2.5km (two laps), and a fast 500m out-and-back sprint. Swimmers started at five-minute intervals, with the longest distance beginning first. The calm water allowed everyone to focus purely on their swim, and many described it as one of the best conditions they had experienced.

Three Course Records Set

The day saw three new course records fall, one in each distance:

  • In the 5km, Perry Blackmore (M60-69) broke Mark Wieland’s long-standing record with an outstanding time of 1:26:50, finishing second overall.
  • In the 2.5km, Belinda Soszyn set a new F70+ record with 52:46. She returned to the same beach where she and her husband once organised the famous Sri Chinmoy Peace Triathlon Festival in the 1990s.
  • In the 500m, Aron Lombardi set a new Male 17+ record with a powerful 7:53.

These achievements highlighted the high standard of open-water swimming at Sri Chinmoy events and the motivation that perfect conditions can bring.

5km Swim Highlights

David Cook took the overall victory in the 5km with a strong time of 1:25:43. Perry Blackmore’s record-breaking swim earned him second place outright, while Lloyd Dobson (M50-59) finished third in 1:27:16.

Rachel Russell was the fastest woman, finishing fourth overall in an impressive 1:28:20. Peta Bulling and Laura Van Den Honert completed the women’s podium. In the older categories, Janelle Ahern won F50-59, Susan Henderson took F60-69, and Janet Gorst delivered another strong performance in F70+ with 2:00:43.

Rico Fitch, who has completed more Sri Chinmoy lake swims in Canberra than anyone else, won the M70+ category in 2:03:42.

2.5km and 500m Swim Results

Tippi Wieland dominated the women’s 2.5km, winning comfortably in 41:21. Deanne Sanderson took first in F50-59 with 41:36, while Jennifer Horton and Ann Reid excelled in the F60-69 category.

Mitchell Bainbridge was unchallenged in the men’s 2.5km, winning easily in 37:58 ahead of Tomas Krajca and Satya Yogeswaran. The M60-69 category was particularly competitive, with Tony Croft winning in 46:13.

In the 500m sprint, Aron Lombardi’s record-setting 7:53 led the field. Yiannis Eliopoulos placed second, while J’Aime McGuire won the Female 17+ category. Young Henry Cooper was the fastest in the Boys Under 13.

Perfect Conditions and Friendly Atmosphere

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims are known for their relaxed yet well-organised format. The triangular 1.25km loop is easy to follow, and the calm water on 8 March made navigation straightforward. Swimmers appreciated the plentiful parking, no queues at the toilets, and the post-swim pancakes — a much-loved tradition.

The event perfectly captures the Sri Chinmoy spirit: combining physical challenge with inner joy. On a day with almost no external obstacles, the only task was to swim — and many participants did so with smiles and a strong sense of personal achievement.

Results and Photos

Why Swimmers Love These Events

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims offer a rare combination: a safe, well-marked open-water course in a beautiful location, friendly organisation, and a focus on personal progress rather than intense competition. The variety of distances makes the event accessible to swimmers of all abilities — from beginners doing their first 500m to experienced open-water athletes tackling the full 5km.

The calm conditions on 8 March 2026 created one of the most enjoyable swims in recent memory, reminding everyone why these lake swims continue to grow in popularity.

Looking Ahead

With another successful edition complete, the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims in Canberra remain a highlight of the Australian open-water swimming calendar. Many participants are already looking forward to the next event and the chance to improve their times or simply enjoy another beautiful day on the lake.

Congratulations to all who took part — and a special thank you to the volunteers who made the morning run so smoothly.

Related Events & Resources:

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #120: 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Hungary

Posted on by Yatkara

Swimmers during the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Gödöllő, Hungary

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge took place successfully in Gödöllő, Hungary. This endurance event drew strong interest from the local and international swimming community. Registration opened in November, and all available spots filled within just two weeks.

Event Details and Organisation

The 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge took place in a 50-metre pool. It featured 19 individual swimmers and 9 teams. Team members ranged from 2 to 6 people and rotated every 30 minutes. Organisers grouped 5 swimmers of similar speed in each lane. This setup created a fair and motivating environment for everyone.

Volunteers tracked distances accurately with tablets. Swimmers encouraged one another while they pushed to cover greater distances.

A dedicated team of 25 members from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team handled all logistics. They managed timing, lane assignments, safety, and general organisation professionally. In addition, they prepared a delicious and nourishing buffet. This helped competitors maintain high energy levels throughout the demanding endurance challenge.

The Spirit Behind the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge

Sri Chinmoy encouraged people to combine physical discipline with inner aspiration. For decades, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organised ultra-distance running races, multi-day events, and long-distance swimming challenges worldwide. These events embody Sri Chinmoy’s core message of self-transcendence.

Self-transcendence gives us joy in boundless measure. When we transcend ourselves, we do not compete with others. We do not compete with the rest of the world, but at every moment we compete with ourselves. We compete only with our previous achievements. And each time we surpass our previous achievements, we get joy.

— Sri Chinmoy, Lifting Up the World With a Oneness-Heart, Agni Press, New York, 1988

The 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Gödöllő continues this inspiring tradition. It gives swimmers a structured format to test their endurance. At the same time, participants stay connected to the deeper purpose: inner progress and the joy of self-improvement.

Highlights of the Day

The atmosphere combined focused effort with a warm sense of community. Swimmers pushed their personal boundaries. They also encouraged one another throughout the day. This created an uplifting environment that captured the essence of Sri Chinmoy’s teachings.

Endurance events like this remind us of an important truth. True success in sport goes beyond distance covered. It also includes the inner qualities developed along the way — patience, perseverance, concentration, and the ability to stay cheerful even when the body grows tired.

Photos from the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge

View the official photos here:

Why These Events Matter

Sri Chinmoy taught that a balanced life includes regular physical activity together with meditation and inner focus. He often explained that the body and the soul support each other beautifully. Swimming, with its rhythmic breathing and full-body movement, offers an excellent way to practise presence and inner calmness while challenging physical limits.

Events such as the 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge create accessible opportunities for athletes of different levels. Whether swimming solo for the full six hours or participating as part of a team, each person contributes to a collective atmosphere of aspiration and goodwill.

The quick sell-out of registration spots shows growing interest in meaningful endurance activities. In a world that often focuses on winning at all costs, Sri Chinmoy-inspired events offer a gentle reminder that the real victory lies in transcending our own previous achievements with a joyful and grateful heart.

This successful 6-Hour Sri Chinmoy Swim Challenge in Hungary adds another inspiring chapter. It shows how Sri Chinmoy’s vision of self-transcendence continues to motivate people across continents many years later.

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #338: Peace Swim 2026 Dubrovnik Anniversary

Posted on by Yatkara

In early January 2026, a group of about 30 dedicated students of Sri Chinmoy participated in a meaningful Peace Swim 2026 Dubrovnik Anniversary event. This swim honored the 40th anniversary of the very first Peace Swim, which took place in Hiroshima on January 1, 1986. That same year, the United Nations had proclaimed 1986 as the International Year of Peace. Consequently, the event carried deep historical and spiritual significance.

The Serene Setting at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

Sri Chinmoy Peace Swim anniversary in Dubrovnik

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik offered the perfect setting for this meditative swim. It is a five-star beachfront resort in Orašac, only 11 km from Dubrovnik’s famous Old Town. The resort sits along the beautiful Adriatic coast. Guests enjoy wide views of the clear blue sea and distant Elaphiti Islands.

The grounds cover 22 hectares. They include lush Mediterranean gardens and tall pine trees. Terraced paths lead gently down to the water. This layout creates a calm, natural sanctuary.

The resort has a private pebble beach with very clear turquoise water. Participants walked straight to the shore. Gentle waves and fresh sea air added to the peaceful mood. Three outdoor pools, including a large infinity pool facing the ocean, completed the relaxing scene.

The Profound Message Behind the Peace Swim

Additionally, the swim was more than just exercise. It served as a living tribute to Sri Chinmoy’s vision of peace. Specifically, he taught that true peace begins within each individual and then radiates outward to the world. Therefore, by swimming together in silence and dedication, participants offered their efforts as prayers for global harmony and the end of conflict.

The video captures this essence beautifully. In particular, it includes a fascinating interview with Adhiratha, a long-time student of Sri Chinmoy and accomplished open-water swimmer. Furthermore, Adhiratha shares profound insights on the swim’s deeper message. He discusses its historical ties to the United Nations, as well as Sri Chinmoy’s enduring vision for peace through self-transcendence, inner harmony, and human oneness.

A Legacy of Peace Through Action

Over the years, Sri Chinmoy inspired countless initiatives like this. For example, starting in 1986 during the UN’s Year of Peace, swims were held in various locations worldwide. Since then, the tradition has continued through events such as English Channel crossings, Manhattan island circumnavigations, and lake swims—all dedicated to peace themes.

In addition, Adhiratha’s own journey reflects this legacy. As one of the early swimmers for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, he crossed the English Channel in 1985 and participated in multiple peace swims. Thus, his interview adds personal depth, showing how these physical challenges foster spiritual growth and contribute to world peace.

Continuing the Tradition of Oneness

Ultimately, events like the Peace Swim 2026 Dubrovnik Anniversary remind us that peace is an active pursuit. By participating, individuals transcend personal limitations while aspiring for collective harmony. In this way, Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy lives on vibrantly through these symbolic acts.

Previous related events and competitions:

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.