HYDRA Legendary Swim

The HYDRA Legendary Swim is a 9km endurance event held on Lake Idro, set for September 13, 2026. This point-to-point crossing starts at the northern tip of the lake, at the beach of Ponte Caffaro, and proceeds southwards until reaching the Crone beach in Idro. The event is logistically structured to transport athletes by boat from the meeting point at Parco di Crone to the starting line, allowing for a clear progression down the length of the basin. The route primarily hugs the western shoreline, navigating the inlets along the steep slopes of Mount Censo, a characteristic peak of the Brescian Prealps. At approximately the 5.5km mark, swimmers pass the beach of Anfo, where a dedicated refreshment station is positioned. The final phase of the swim involves a distinct crossing of the lake from the western bank toward the eastern finish area, keeping the landscape of the surrounding mountains as a constant reference point.

Historical and natural context

While swimming, participants move through a landscape shaped by centuries of military and logistical history. The western slopes are dominated by the Rocca d'Anfo, a massive fortification complex that has guarded this passage since the 15th century. Further up the heights, the Forte di Valledrane—an armored battery constructed in the early 20th century—overlooks the water, serving as a reminder of the lake’s strategic importance during the World Wars. The area near the finish line at Crone is dedicated to Admiral Mario Tonni, the only admiral from the Val Sabbia region in the history of the Italian Navy, whose name marks the local tourist port. The environmental setting is equally rich, with the clear waters of the lake hosting diverse aquatic life, including pike, perch, and eels, while the shoreline provides habitats for kingfishers and herons. The logistical planning of the event, including the mandatory boat transfer and the mid-point support, ensures that the 9km distance is managed within a secure framework.