24-hodinovka 2026

The water of Nové Košariská lake is still, holding a quiet depth as the sun begins its long arc across the sky. Every stroke breaks the surface tension in a rhythmic cadence, the only sound accompanying your steady progress through the clear, gravel-filtered water that defines this basin. You are at the heart of the 24-hour race, an endurance challenge that tests the limits of consistency rather than speed. While the nearby European Aquatics Masters Championships brings a different intensity to the region later in the summer, this event is a solitary dialogue between the swimmer and the lake, held annually in the Dunajská Lužná area.

Race day mechanics

The event demands more than physical fitness; it requires careful management of your internal clock and energy reserves. Starting at exactly 12:00, the course loops through the lake, guided by the organizers from Ľadové Medvede Veľká voda. The entry fee, ranging from 50 to 65 EUR depending on the registration window, covers essential logistical support including water rescue, timekeeping, and a series of hot meals designed to keep you moving through the night. The transition from day to dusk—and eventually to the early morning hours—is where the real test begins, as the water temperature fluctuates and the quiet of the lake amplifies the sound of each breath. The organization provides a central tent as a base, a necessary sanctuary for refueling and brief recovery before returning to the water.

Context and surroundings

While your focus remains on the buoys and the rhythm of your stroke, the surrounding landscape is a product of the region's complex hydrological history. The proximity to the Gabčíkovo dam system and the expansive Hrušov Reservoir highlights the massive scale of human intervention in the Danube's course, even if the race itself remains contained within the contained, stable environment of the Nové Košariská gravel pits. Unlike the turbulent artificial conditions found at the Čunovo whitewater course, this lake offers a predictable, steady environment perfect for long-distance pacing. As you navigate through the hours, you are swimming in a landscape that has been reshaped by infrastructure, yet remains a sanctuary for both endurance athletes and local wildlife, such as the common redshank nesting in the nearby floodplains. The event concludes with a ceremony at the main tent, marking the end of a full day spent entirely in the water.