The Faros Marathon in Stari Grad

One of swimming's most challenging races is held every August in Stari Grad and attracts a very international field: The Faros Marathon.

Sixteen Kilometre Swim in the Adriatic

The annual event is a testing 16km kilometre swim starting in the harbour of Stari Grad, one of Croatia's most historic cities, having been founded by the Greeks in 384 BC. The route then heads out to sea for 8 kilometres to the tip of the Kabal Peninsula before returning to the finishing line in the town.

An international field of 33 male and female competitors took part in the event, with representation from as far afield as the Dominican Republic, Spain, France, Russia and Greece, while Irene Van Der Laan from the Netherlands was the oldest entrant at 51 years of age.

After introductory speeches and a rousing rendition of the Croatian national anthem, the swimmers, with their competitive numbers drawn on their shoulders - red for the women, blue for the men - jumped into the Adriatic and awaited the start.

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